Director of Food Service

Director of Food Service

Mesa USD 4 Food and Nutrition - Mesa, Arizona Open in Google Maps

Job : 5548567

Final date to receive applications: Mar 13, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Mar 02, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Overview :

The Director of Food Service serves as Mesa Public Schools leader for all food and nutrition services, overseeing the planning, administration, implementation, and evaluation of district wide meal programs to ensure students receive safe, nutritious, and appealing meals in compliance with all federal, state, and district requirements. The Director of Food Service provides strategic direction for the vision, goals, and continuous improvement of the Food and Nutrition Services department while ensuring operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

The Director of Food Service leads and supports department personnel, oversees purchasing and warehousing operations, and collaborates with district leadership to align nutrition services with instructional priorities and student wellness goals. In support of Mesa Public Schools, the Director of Food Service is committed to advancing student health, service excellence, and alignment with the district’s strategic goals, vision, and promise.

Employment Type: Director II, Full-time

Salary Range: $97,301 - $126,491

Salary Procedures: Years of administrative experience and education considered

Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay: Available annually

Calendar: Administrative Exempt,12-month position

Reports To: Superintendent

• Develops and manages the school food and nutrition program
• Oversight of program financial sustainability, including cost controls, participation trends, and reimbursement optimization
• Establishes work performance standards and work schedules for food and nutrition department personnel
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations, including inspections, corrective actions, and staff certifications
• Provides and coordinates nutrition education opportunities for students, parents and staff
• Develops specifications and standards for purchasing of food, supplies and equipment and directs department purchasing in accordance with state and federal procurement guidelines
• Oversight of menu planning to ensure compliance with USDA nutrition standards
• Provides in-service training programs for personnel including use of technology systems for inventory, point of sale, reporting, and compliance
• Assists in the planning of new and remodeled cafeteria facilities
• Administers the operation of the food and nutrition warehouse
• Compiles data from a wide variety of sources to ensure compliance with various policies and procedures
• Responsible for evaluation, training, professional growth, succession planning, and workforce retention with Food Service

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nutrition management or related field; preferably in school nutrition
• Five years of experience in management, preferably in school nutrition
• Knowledge of federal child nutrition programs

• Master’s degree in business, nutrition management or related field, preferably in school nutrition
• Ten years of experience in senior level management, preferably in school nutrition
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• Extensive knowledge of federal child nutrition programs

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description represent the knowledge, skill, abilities, and other characteristics necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Models the essential attitudes and skills of Mesa Public Schools’…