Food Service Kitchen Manager; School Yr

Food Service Kitchen Manager (2026-27 School Yr.)

Shawnee Heights USD 450, Shawnee Heights Elementary School - Topeka, Kansas

Job : 5551008

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: Feb 23, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 7, 2026

Title: Food Service Kitchen Manager

Schedule: 8 hours/day (172 days/year)

Reports to: Food Service Director

Purpose and Objectives of the Position: The Kitchen Manager is in charge of the day‑to‑day management and operation of the food service department. They must work closely with staff and the Food Service Director.

• High school diploma minimum requirement.
• Demonstrated aptitude or competence in basic nutrition, quality of food production, sanitation/safety, inventory, personnel management, and record keeping.
• Alternative qualifications acceptable as determined by the Board.

• Supervises and instructs kitchen personnel in safe, proper, and efficient use of all kitchen equipment.
• Orders food and non‑food items.
• Assists in evaluating new products.
• Supervises the receiving, storage, handling, preparation and service of food according to established standards.
• Ensures sanitation and safety practices meet standards; enforces personal hygiene and grooming standards among staff.
• Maintains required accountability systems.
• Ensures daily menu and food production records are prepared and completed; maintains inventory.
• Plans schedules and work assignments; trains, supervises and evaluates food service staff according to established procedures.
• Promotes student and staff satisfaction by merchandising and serving meals in an attractive manner; plans for attractive service of foods with appropriate containers and garnishes.
• Organizes the serving line for attractive service and smooth traffic; involves students, staff and community in school food service activities.
• Communicates positively with staff and other departments; recognizes the importance of special functions as a public‑relations tool.
• Promotes nutrition education activities, kitchen field trips, and classroom visits for students; communicates concerns to the director about policies and procedures.
• Directs preparation and serving of meals for special functions and community activities.
• Willing and able to fill in when employees are absent.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work in and around fumes.
• Completes annual training as required by the district; implements a professional growth plan for self and staff.
• Manages the program in accordance with federal, state, local and district requirements.
• Plans and works hospitality when planned.

• e to be established by the Board.

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: $18.48 to $20.57 per hour

Job Categories: Support Staff >
Food Service

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

• Tara Cox, Food Service Director
• Shawnee Heights Elementary School
• Phone: 785‑379‑5834
• Email: