School Nutrition Lead

The Main Street Academy•College Park, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Nutrition Kitchen Lead is responsible for supporting the daily operations of The Main Street Academy’s School Nutrition Program by leading kitchen staff, overseeing meal preparation and service, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including USDA Child Nutrition Program standards. This role focuses on hands-on kitchen leadership, food safety, sanitation, meal quality, and staff supervision. The Kitchen Lead works closely with the Food Service Coordinator to ensure efficient operations, accurate record keeping, and a safe, welcoming cafeteria environment that supports student health and participation.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Minimum of two (2) years of food service and/or management experience required
National Restaurant SERV Safe Certification preferred
State Department of Education training requirements must be completed within five (5) years of hire

Nice To Haves

college degree preferred
Individuals with experience as a school food service manager or assistant manager
Institutional or school food service management experience preferred

Responsibilities

Assist in the daily operation of the School Nutrition Program (SNP) in compliance with federal, state, local, and TMSA policies and procedures
Implement and adhere to Classified Employee Work Rules and School Nutrition Personnel and Uniform Standards
Support menu execution, meal preparation, portion control, and service according to standardized recipes and production records
Assist with inventory management, forecasting, ordering, and receiving of food and supplies
Ensure sanitation and safety procedures are consistently followed in all food service areas
Provide day-to-day supervision and leadership to assigned SNP employees
Assist with staff training, coaching, and annual evaluations related to food preparation, service, sanitation, and safety
Monitor employee health and promptly report concerns or incidents to protect public health and safety
Maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including employee hygiene and safe food handling practices
Monitor and maintain temperature logs for refrigeration units, freezers, and dry storage areas
Ensure proper use, care, and routine cleaning of small and large kitchen equipment
Maintain required SERV Safe certification and model best practices for staff
Promote school nutrition programs and healthy eating habits while maintaining positive public relations
Foster a positive, orderly cafeteria environment that encourages high student and staff participation
Communicate effectively and professionally with students, staff, administrators, vendors, and the public
Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in critical or time-sensitive situations
Follow all written and verbal instructions, including chemical use and safety guidelines
Report accidents, safety concerns, and equipment issues promptly
Assist the Food Service Coordinator with maintaining accurate files and records related to meal production, inventories, purchasing, invoices, employee records, time sheets, and required reports
Complete all required training and continue to develop job-related skills
Perform other duties as assigned by the School Nutrition Coordinator, Director of School Operations, or designee