Dining Services Operations Manager

Metz Culinary Management • Erie, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Now seeking an experienced Dining Services Manager to join our AMAZING K-12 Food Service Teams throughout the district. Enjoy a work-life balance with a mainly Mon-Fri daylight schedule (some catering events will apply). The K-12 Cafe Services Manager oversees the operational excellence, safety compliance, and team development across up to 12 assigned school cafeteria sites. This role acts as a primary strategic resource, mentor, and operational partner to on-site cafeteria supervisors and team members. The manager ensures that all locations consistently outperform company standards while maintaining absolute adherence to local health codes and government guidelines (including NSLP/ CACFP regulations and allergen protocols). Beyond daily breakfast and lunch operations, this position assists with specialized catering services and athletic concessions.

Requirements

• Current food safety manager certification from an accredited program (e.g., ServSafe).
• Prior experience managing multi-unit culinary operations, preferably within a K-12 contract food service environment or large-scale institutional setting.
• A servant-leader approach centered on coaching and relationship-building
• 3+ Plus Years in a Contract Dining
• 3 years in a management role
• Solid knowledge of kitchen operations and cafeteria operations
• Solid knowledge of Guest and Client Relations
• Impeccable Communication Skills
• Restaurant Management knowledge
• Knowledge of Menu implementation
• Catering Experience

Nice To Haves

• FOH and BOH Leadership experience desired in a Contract Dining Food Service setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining accounts.

Responsibilities

• Daily travel to multi-site locations to execute K-12 standards checklists and EcoSure audit preparedness protocols.
• Ensure 100% compliance with local Health Department regulations. Monitor food/equipment temperature logs, proper food hierarchy storage, chemical labeling, and corrective action documentation.
• Monitor strict adherence to federal and state guidelines, ensuring any food provided during designated school hours meets mandatory smart snack compliance.
• Maintain a culture of safety by identifying property hazards, verifying proper glove/personal hygiene usage, and managing site safety inspections.
• Act as an approachable, supportive resource for cafeteria supervisors. Provide real-time coaching, training, and operational support directly within school dining environments.
• Identify individual training gaps within site teams. Design and execute targeted upskilling initiatives for team members covering food safety, allergen management, and customer service.
• Build positive team dynamics by prioritizing open communication, genuine appreciation, and professional uniform and presentation standards.
• Direct school operations and service frameworks line up with organizational standards.
• Supervise checking protocols for guest dietary needs and allergen safety controls prior to event delivery.
• Coordinate and actively work specialized catering functions, including logistic.

Benefits

• strong potential for growth, providing all the tools and platform necessary to develop into a strong General Manager.
• atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed