Food Service Director

Nutri-Serve Food Management (Metz Culinary Management)•Burlington, NJ

4d•$55,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Food Service Director manages a school district’s food service program, including meal production, menu planning, purchasing and ordering products, kitchen staff, customer relationships, and required financial reporting to Nutri-Serve, the Board of Education, and the State of New Jersey. The role oversees front-of-house and back-of-house operations, potentially across multiple school cafeterias, and helps ensure students and staff receive nutritious, high-quality meals prepared and served safely. Food Service Directors are assigned to one of three levels based on factors such as required experience, the programs supervised, district makeup and enrollment, and the number of schools. This is a 10-month position that follows the school schedule. The director visits each school in the district at least weekly and works in both office and kitchen environments.

Requirements

Food Service Director I: High school diploma or equivalent and 1–2 years of general food service experience, preferably in a school district setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Food Service Director II: High school diploma or equivalent and 3–4 years of food service experience, preferably at Nutri-Serve or a similar company in a school district setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Food Service Director III: High school diploma or equivalent and 5–6 years of food service experience, preferably at Nutri-Serve or a similar company in a school district setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Pass the state-required background check and fingerprinting to work in New Jersey schools.
Hold Serve Safe certification or complete the certification within one year of assuming the Food Service Director role.
Have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive between schools in the district.
Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the New Jersey Child Nutrition Program.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Knowledge of general bookkeeping and mathematical principles.
High energy and a positive approach.
Strong organizational and detail skills.
Problem-solving skills.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, sensitivity, and professionalism.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to interact successfully with customers and Nutri-Serve employees at all levels.
Ability to stand for extended periods, twist, bend, and move freely, and lift up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a K–12 or similar setting.
For Director II and III levels, food service experience at Nutri-Serve or a similar company in a school district setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee meal production and the cleanliness of kitchens.
Ensure meals are nutritious, appetizing, high quality, and compliant with the New Jersey State Child Nutrition Program; use available state commodities cost-effectively.
Ensure district kitchens meet Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) cleanliness and sanitation standards.
Plan menus, purchase food and supplies, and place orders for the assigned district.
Finalize the six-week cycle menu using Nutri-Serve’s monthly allocation list, district pricing needs, student preferences, and the school calendar.
Place vendor orders through the online ordering system, considering inventory and menu needs.
Recruit, interview, train, and supervise staff; manage employees according to company policies and practices.
Ensure work is completed accurately and on time, foster quality in the kitchen, communicate with staff, address employee relations issues, and support positive morale.
Visit each school in the district at least once each week.
Provide timely verbal and written performance feedback and develop employees’ skills and career progression.
Maintain district and Nutri-Serve financial records, including weekly and monthly reports, billing, and payroll.
Complete financial reporting and meet deadlines for the annual School Food Service audit.
Build and maintain effective relationships with Nutri-Serve employees and school district administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
Provide customer service, communicate with the district through monthly school board updates, and seek feedback from the school community.
Represent the company professionally.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.