Food Service Director

Metz Culinary Management•Burlington, NJ

About The Position

The Food Service Director manages the food service program for a school district and oversees meal production, menu planning, purchasing, ordering, kitchen staff, and customer relationships. The role includes managing food service operations across district schools and completing financial reporting required by Nutri-Serve, the Board of Education, and the State of New Jersey. Directors are assigned to one of three levels based on factors including relevant experience, programs supervised, district makeup and enrollment, and the number of schools. This is a 10-month position that follows the school schedule. The director leads daily meal service for students and staff, coordinates kitchen operations, supports a welcoming service experience, and helps ensure meals are safely prepared and served. The position is performed in an indoor kitchen and office environment, with occasional hands-on kitchen work during busy periods and travel between schools in the district.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Food service experience varies by level: 1–2 years for Food Service Director I, 3–4 years for Food Service Director II, or 5–6 years for Food Service Director III; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Experience in a school district setting is preferred; for levels II and III, experience at Nutri-Serve or a similar company is preferred.
Pass the state-required background check and fingerprinting to work in New Jersey schools.
Be Serve Safe Certified or complete Serve Safe Certification within one year of assuming the 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, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Knowledge of general bookkeeping and mathematical principles.
Strong organizational and detail skills, problem-solving skills, high energy, and a positive approach.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, adapt to changing priorities, maintain confidentiality and professionalism, and interact successfully with customers and Nutri-Serve employees at all levels.
Ability to stand for extended periods, twist, bend, move freely, and lift up to 30 pounds.
Ability to work around moving mechanical parts and extreme heat, and occasional wet or humid conditions and extreme cold.

Nice To Haves

Food service experience in a school district setting.
For Food Service Director II or III, experience at Nutri-Serve or a similar company in a school district setting.

Responsibilities

Oversee production of all meals and the overall cleanliness of the kitchen.
Ensure meals are nutritious, appetizing, high-quality, compliant with the New Jersey State Child Nutrition Program, and make cost-effective use of available State commodities.
Ensure district kitchens are clean and sanitary in accordance with HACCP standards.
Coordinate menu planning, purchasing, and ordering of supplies for the assigned district.
Finalize the six-week cycle menu using Nutri-Serve's monthly allocation list and account for district pricing needs, student preferences, and the school calendar.
Purchase food and supplies according to Nutri-Serve standards for pricing, products, and nutrition.
Place vendor orders using the online ordering system, in-house inventory, and menu needs.
Recruit, interview, and train employees to staff district meal programs.
Manage employees in accordance with company policies and practices, build an effective kitchen team, and ensure work is completed accurately and on time.
Communicate regularly with staff, address employee relations issues and other problems, and help maintain 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 growth.
Maintain district and Nutri-Serve food service financial records, including weekly and monthly reports, billing, and payroll.
Ensure a successful annual School Food Service audit and meet all deadlines.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with Nutri-Serve employees and school district administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
Provide customer service, maintain open communication with the school district through monthly school board updates, and seek program feedback.
Present a professional image as a company representative.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.