Lead Food Service Worker - Downers Grove School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group•Downers Grove, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Food Service Worker leads meal preparation and service in a school nutrition setting, helping provide nutritious meals to students and supporting a smooth, safe kitchen operation. The role coordinates and directs the food service team during the shift, assigns tasks, monitors performance, and addresses operational issues. It also serves as the on-site food safety authority during the shift, maintaining sanitation standards, temperature controls, and compliance documentation. The position handles food and supply ordering, receiving, storage, kitchen cleaning organization, serving-line setup, beverage areas, meal delivery when needed, and POS and cash-handling tasks. It communicates with the Chef Manager, food service team, and school staff, and helps maintain a welcoming service environment and positive meal experience. The role is full-time and non-exempt, with workdays and hours aligned to the school district’s food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required for special events, audits, or operational needs. The position is primarily site-based, with occasional travel to other district school locations for substitute coverage or operational support.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum 2–3 years of professional food service experience.
ServSafe certification is required; local food safety certification is required in the jurisdiction of employment.
Ability to direct the work of others in a kitchen or food service environment.
Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records.
Ability to complete compliance documentation accurately.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to perform job assignments and communicate effectively with school staff, parents, and team members.
Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and ability to lead a team with a calm, positive, and accountable approach.
Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment and commitment to food safety and team development.
Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; handle food, tools, and equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.
Ability to work around extreme hot and cold temperatures and move in and out of storerooms and near freezers.

Nice To Haves

Food safety manager training.
Prior lead, senior, or PIC experience in a school nutrition or institutional food service setting.
Experience with USDA NSLP/SBP program requirements, production records, and temperature log maintenance.
Experience with POS systems and cash handling.
A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Lead preparation and service of meals according to nutrition, portion, menu, recipe, and production requirements.
Coordinate and direct the food service team during the shift, including assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and addressing operational issues.
Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies.
Organize cleaning duties and ensure sanitation and food safety standards are followed.
Maintain temperature controls, production records, temperature logs, and other compliance documentation accurately.
Set up hot and cold serving lines, brew coffee, and keep beverage areas stocked.
Deliver meals to classrooms, staff, or catered events when needed.
Manage POS transactions and cash handling and ensure deposits are accurate.
Communicate with the Chef Manager, team members, and school staff, escalating issues and keeping the Manager informed of significant operational or personnel matters.
Serve students and school staff in a friendly, professional manner and maintain a clean, welcoming service environment.
Complete required Whitsons and government-mandated training.