General Manager - Lemont School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Lemont, IL

5d

About The Position

Food Service General Manager – Lead with Purpose in School Nutrition!
School Dining Leadership

Are you a food service leader who’s passionate about people, operations, and
purpose? Join our school nutrition team as a Food Service General Manager and
take the lead in a mission-driven kitchen that fuels young minds and futures.

At Whitsons, we believe that every school meal is an opportunity to fuel
success. As our General Manager, you’ll lead a team dedicated to serving
nutritious, student-approved meals with care, efficiency, and pride. Your
leadership will help create a kitchen that’s more than a workplace—it’s a hub of
health, learning, and community.

Apply now and bring your leadership to the lunch line—one student, one meal at
a time! At Whitsons our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in food service management (K–12 or institutional preferred)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of USDA school meal guidelines and food safety regulations
• A hands-on leader who builds strong teams and models accountability
• ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field. OR
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with any academic major AND a state recognized certificate in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, or business. OR
• Associate’s degree or equivalent with concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field AND at least one year of relevant school nutrition programs experience
• ServSafe Mandatory– Local food safety certification if required in jurisdiction of employment. Must be knowledgeable of all local ordinances.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Must be able to communicate electronically through use of email and other similar computer platforms.
• Able to learn new programs easily and quickly.
• 5 years’ experience in Food Service Management required.
• Minimum 3 years experience in K-12 programs required. Strong interest in school nutrition program development.
• Culinary background is required - Must have a passion and an interest in food
• Working knowledge of cooking procedures and recipe adherence and scaling.
• Must have demonstrated experience developing talent and managing multiple priorities
• Must be able to use “critical thinking” skills in order to resolve problems or would result in improving program overall.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally, electronically and written with clients, parents, students and support staff.
• Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills
• Effectively write, present and transfer ideas and information for the advancement of individual and company performance.
• Act in the best interest of the customer, both internal and external.
• Create new ideas, processes or products which when implemented lead to positive effective change.
• Apply strategic thinking, prioritization and decision-making to drive results.
• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required Sit, walk, talk and hear
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Be standing on feet majority of the workday in addition to walking back and forth.
• Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Lifting while turning side to side is sometimes necessary.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the food service team to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to students and staff
• Oversee all aspects of daily operations: scheduling, inventory, compliance, and food safety
• Partner with school staff to ensure meals support student health, learning, and well-being
• Ensure compliance with state and federal child nutrition program guidelines (NSLP, SBP, etc.)
• Manage budgets, staffing, vendor relationships, and performance goals
• Foster a positive, student-centered, and inclusive kitchen culture

Benefits

• Competitive salary + performance bonus opportunities
• Family-friendly schedule – no nights or weekends
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid holidays, time off, and retirement plans
• A chance to shape a food program that supports learning, growth, and equity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager