Operations Manager - Illinois School Nutrition
About The Position
Are you a seasoned food service professional who thrives on supporting teams, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence? Join Whitsons as an Operations Manager and help elevate school nutrition programs across our districts—fueling student success one meal at a time. At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe that school meals are more than just food—they’re a foundation for learning and success. As an Operations Manager, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our mission to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals across the districts we serve. Be a champion for school nutrition—and a catalyst for positive change.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7–10 years of progressive food service management experience, with 5+ years in K–12 school nutrition required.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams and build strong relationships.
- Deep knowledge of USDA school meal guidelines, state regulations, and food safety practices.
- ServSafe certification required; SNS certification highly preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to quickly learn new systems and tools.
- Must be willing to travel frequently to Whitsons’ operating sites.
- 10 years' experience in Food Service Management required.
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in high volume urban 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 possess excellent time management and organizational skills.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- School Nutrition Specialist Certification preferred.
- Bilingual Spanish is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Provide operational support to General Managers and District Managers across multiple school districts.
- Step in as acting General Manager when needed to ensure seamless operations.
- Monitor and support compliance with all USDA, state, and local regulations related to NSLP, SBP, and food safety.
- Assist in budget development, financial forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Oversee staff training, scheduling, and performance management to ensure team excellence.
- Support new account openings and serve as a key player in onboarding processes.
- Conduct regular site visits (80% travel) to assess quality, safety, compliance, and team support needs.
- Collaborate with wellness and nutrition committees and participate in district meetings and community events.
Benefits
- Competitive salary + performance bonus potential
- Work that makes a difference in students' lives
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and PTO
- 401K with company match
- Professional growth opportunities and supportive leadership
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
