Child Nutrition Specialist - Centurion

Placements24; Centurion; Presencial; ZAR 420.000 - 540.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Professional development

Health-focused work environment

Supportive childcare team

Community health impact

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Child Nutrition Specialist for a Centurion childcare center. You will design age-appropriate meal plans, ensure food safety, and educate staff and parents on healthy eating for young children.

Requirements include a nutrition degree, pediatric specialization, and at least 3 years in nutrition planning, preferably in childcare. RD certification is desirable; HACCP knowledge is essential.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• Specialization or coursework in Pediatric Nutrition or Child Development.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nutrition planning and implementation, preferably in childcare/educational settings.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations (HACCP) and best practices.
• Excellent knowledge of child development and nutritional needs of infants and young children.
• Proficiency in meal planning software and inventory management is a plus.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Responsabilidades

• Develop balanced, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive meal plans for children.
• Oversee preparation and serving of meals and snacks, ensuring nutritional quality and dietary guideline adherence.
• Implement and maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards in kitchen and dining areas.
• Educate childcare staff and parents on nutrition and healthy eating.
• Identify and cater to children's dietary needs, allergies, and medical restrictions.
• Conduct workshops or information sessions for parents on nutrition topics.
• Monitor children's food intake and growth, providing recommendations.
• Source high-quality ingredients and manage kitchen inventory and supplies.
• Stay updated on current pediatric nutrition research and practices.
• Collaborate with management to align nutritional goals with the center's mission.

Conocimientos

Pediatric nutrition

Nutrition science

Food safety

Meal planning

Inventory management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education & training

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition/Dietetics/Public Health

Herramientas

Meal planning software

Inventory management software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Child Nutrition Specialist to join their reputable childcare center in Centurion, Gauteng . This critical role focuses on ensuring the health and well-being of young children by developing and implementing nutritious meal plans, educating staff and parents on healthy eating habits, and overseeing food safety standards within the facility. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in nutrition science, with a specialization in pediatric nutrition, and a passion for fostering healthy eating habits from an early age. You will work closely with kitchen staff, educators, and parents to create a supportive environment where children can develop a positive relationship with food. This position demands attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a proactive approach to promoting child health.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop balanced, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive meal plans for children in the facility.
• Oversee the preparation and serving of meals and snacks, ensuring nutritional quality and adherence to dietary guidelines.
• Implement and maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Educate childcare staff and parents on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating for young children.
• Identify and cater to children's special dietary needs, allergies, and medical restrictions.
• Conduct workshops or information sessions for parents on relevant nutrition topics.
• Monitor children's food intake and growth, providing recommendations where necessary.
• Source high-quality ingredients and manage kitchen inventory and supplies.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in pediatric nutrition and child development.
• Collaborate with management to ensure nutritional goals align with the center's overall mission.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• Specialization or significant coursework in Pediatric Nutrition or Child Development.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nutrition planning and implementation, preferably in a childcare or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and best practices.
• Excellent knowledge of child development and the nutritional needs of infants and young children.
• Proficiency in meal planning software and inventory management is a plus.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Residing in or near Centurion, Gauteng is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to significantly impact the health and development of children.
• Professional development and training in the field of nutrition.
• A supportive and health-focused work environment.
• Work within a respected childcare institution.
• Contribution to promoting healthy lifestyles in the community.