School Nutrition GM — Lead a Mission-Driven Kitchen

Whitsons Culinary Group; Illinois; On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision care

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Whitsons Culinary Group is seeking a Food Service General Manager to lead our school nutrition program. This role focuses on people leadership, operations, and purpose-driven service in a mission-driven kitchen that fuels students and staff.

You’ll manage budgets, staffing, and vendor relationships while ensuring adherence to USDA and state guidelines and delivering high-quality meals in a student-centered environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the food service team to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to students and staff.
• Oversee all aspects of daily operations: scheduling, inventory, compliance, and food safety.
• Partner with school staff to ensure meals support student health, learning, and well-being.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal child nutrition program guidelines (NSLP, SBP, etc.).
• Manage budgets, staffing, vendor relationships, and performance goals.
• Foster a positive, student-centered, and inclusive kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

P&L Management

Food Safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

School nutrition director cert or 1 yr food service exp

Associate’s degree + 1 yr exp

High school diploma + 3 yrs exp

Tools

POS platforms

Scheduling software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Whitsons Culinary Group is seeking a Food Service General Manager to lead our school nutrition program. This role focuses on people leadership, operations, and purpose-driven service in a mission-driven kitchen that fuels students and staff.

You’ll manage budgets, staffing, and vendor relationships while ensuring adherence to USDA and state guidelines and delivering high-quality meals in a student-centered environment.