School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program

Hamilton County Department of Education; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee meals during the workday

Weekends/evenings/school breaks off

School calendar aligned schedule

Structured hands-on leadership

Job summary

Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, TN, offers a School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program, a hands-on leadership track combining kitchen experience with classroom instruction to prepare for management opportunities within the district. The program includes mentorship, weekly classroom sessions, and a structured 8-12 week training, leading to eligibility for School Nutrition Manager vacancies.

Successful candidates show dependability, teamwork, adaptability, and a passion for serving

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• Internal applicants: at least 1 year in a School Nutrition food service operation with one month as primary meat cook and cashiering, plus a positive Cafeteria Manager reference.
• External applicants: at least 1 year in food service management with positive references.
• A passing score on a basic math and reading comprehension test is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a school nutrition team
• Plan daily food production using production records
• Manage ordering, inventory, and receiving in LINQ
• Operate point-of-sale and school nutrition software
• Apply USDA regulations and food safety requirements
• Build positive relationships with students, staff, and school administrators
• Develop budgeting, labor management, and forecasting skills
• Learn alongside an experienced School Nutrition Manager through mentoring and hands-on training

Skills

Dependable

Team-oriented

Positive attitude

Adaptable

Lifelong learner

Passionate about students

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. The School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program combines hands‑on experience with classroom instruction to prepare participants for future management opportunities within Hamilton County School Nutrition. Participants will learn the standards of quality school food production and service in accordance with USDA, State of Tennessee, and local program guidelines. The program accepts two cohorts each year, with interviews conducted in July and December. Selected participants will begin training at a later date (specific dates to be determined). Each trainee is assigned to an experienced Training Manager and completes an 8-12 week program that combines weekly classroom instruction with hands‑on kitchen leadership experience. Upon successful completion, trainees become eligible to apply for School Nutrition Manager vacancies.

Responsibilities

What you’ll learn

Skills

Through classroom instruction and hands‑on experience, trainees will develop the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage a school nutrition operation, including:

• Lead a school nutrition team
• Plan daily food production using production records
• Manage ordering, inventory, and receiving in LINQ
• Operate point‑of‑sale and school nutrition software
• Apply USDA regulations and food safety requirements
• Build positive relationships with students, staff, and school administrators
• Develop budgeting, labor management, and forecasting skills
• Learn alongside an experienced School Nutrition Manager through one‑on‑one mentoring and hands‑on training

Who We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:

• Dependable
• Team‑oriented
• Positive attitude
• Adaptable and open to change
• Passionate about serving students
• Committed to learning and growing as a school nutrition professional

Program Benefits

• Weekends, evenings, and school breaks off
• Work schedule aligned with the school calendar
• Structured hands‑on leadership training
• Weekly classroom instruction
• Experienced manager mentor
• Free employee meals during the workday

Additional Information

• Pay for internal applicants will be at their current rate of pay. Pay for external applicants will be based on education and experience.
• An applicant must complete the entire program to be eligible for a management position.
• The completion of the course does not guarantee a management position with this department.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• HS diploma or GED required
• Internal Applicants: a minimum of one year in a School Nutrition food service operation, including one month of experience as the primary meat cook and cashiering experience, with a positive reference by the applicant's Cafeteria Manager
• External Applicants: a minimum of 1 year in food service management, with positive references
• A passing score on a basic math and reading comprehension test required