Director of Food & Nutrition Services

Director of Food & Nutrition Services

Waltham Public Schools Central Office - Waltham, Massachusetts

• Job : 5700835
• Final date to receive applications: Jul 14, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Re-Posted: Jun 30, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026
• Position Type: Full-Time

The Director of Food Services is a critical member of the management team of the Waltham Public Schools and is responsible for all aspects of the food services operation. The Director is accountable for maintaining the fiscal integrity of the school food service program and ensuring that meals served are nutritionally sound and meet all state and federal requirements.

The Director oversees the day-to-day food service operations across ten (10) school kitchens and is responsible for the leadership, supervision, and development of approximately seventy-five (75) food service employees. The Director develops and implements short- and long-range plans to continuously improve program operations, including menu planning, staffing, technology systems, equipment, procurement, and operational procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree (from an accredited college or university) in food and nutrition, hospitality, business, or health education with coursework in nutrition, food service systems, management, and finance;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school food service management, including multi-site supervision, staff leadership, menu planning, and fiscal oversight.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) and/or School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential preferred.
• Serv Safe certification required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Performs varied and responsible duties with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action while planning, administering, and executing services and enforcing applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Works independently and collaboratively with district leadership. Works under the direction of and reports to the School Business Administrator. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates all food service personnel across ten (10) school sites.

• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing child nutrition programs.
• Directs and manages daily operations of the food service program across ten (10) school sites to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Develops and implements short- and long-term strategic plans to improve program performance, participation, and financial sustainability.
• Oversees all financial operations, including budget development, revenue and expenditure monitoring, and cost control.
• Ensures accurate and timely submission of reimbursement claims and required reports.
• Establishes and maintains strong internal controls for cash handling and financial accountability.
• Leads menu planning for all grade levels, ensuring meals are nutritious, compliant, appealing, and cost-effective.
• Ensures menus meet all current and evolving federal and state nutrition standards, including sodium and added sugar requirements.
• Maximizes utilization of USDA Foods and other cost-saving procurement strategies.
• Supervises and develops a workforce of approximately seventy-five (75) employees, including hiring, training, evaluation, and performance management.
• Establishes staffing models and schedules to ensure efficient operations across all sites.
• Oversees procurement systems and vendor relationships in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Implements and monitors food safety and sanitation programs in all phases of operation.
• Ensures accurate meal counting and claiming systems that meet USDA requirements.
• Oversees free and reduced-price meal application processes or CEP implementation and compliance.
• Ensures completion and accuracy of production records and required documentation.
• Establishes quality standards for food preparation, presentation, and customer service.
• Promotes a customer-focused program that emphasizes student satisfaction and participation.
• Uti…