Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager

Reports to Director of Food Service. Westwood Public Schools is seeking a Kitchen Manager to coordinate the kitchen operations for our school nutrition program across six school buildings. Our district of about 3,000 students is known for excellence in teaching and learning and for fostering a culture of professional growth in our staff. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced.

The school nutrition program is self‑funded with annual revenue of approximately $1.3 million.

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for four satellite food programs at the elementary schools and coordinates the work of approximately twenty employees and provides feedback to inform performance evaluations.

Work Year: 195 days per year, aligned to the school calendar (possible additional per diem days, based on district need)

Compensation: $43,000–$53,000 per year

Terms: This is a 10‑month position in accordance with an individual contract.

The Kitchen Manager supports the administration and operation of the school nutrition program. The Manager will support the implementation of menus, but their focus is on maintaining operational efficiency, compliance with regulations, and customer satisfaction.

• Ensure cafeteria staff consistently implement menus with standard recipes and portion sizes that present appetizing and flavorful menu options while maintaining nutritional value.
• Ensure menus meet all federal USDA National School Lunch Program guidelines, as well as state and local regulations.
• Oversee food inventory and controls.
• Work with the Food Service Director to coordinate staff rotation and cross‑training of staff, and ensure daily coverage of all kitchens by adjusting staff assignments accordingly.
• Participate in recruitment efforts and screening of food service staff applicants.
• Foster a professional learning environment in each school cafeteria.
• Demonstrate leadership through a code of ethics, the handling of confidential information, and day‑to‑day personal conduct.
• Ensure cafeteria staff consistently implement and expect high standards in the presentation and service of food.
• Implement a district‑wide customer service driven philosophy that focuses on nutrition, value, and customer satisfaction.
• Work with families and school administration to protect and support children with dietary restrictions.
• Initiate problem‑solving and conflict resolution as needed.
• Assist with overseeing a catering service for schools and for the local community on an as‑needed basis in response to demand and to generate additional revenue for the program.
• Ensure that food is served in a sanitary and safe environment, including implementation of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan to avoid food‑related illness in students.
• Ensure procedures that ensure employee safety are implemented in all phases of the operation.
• Oversee efficient and effective food production and distribution, including protocols for employees that permit the operation to run smoothly across six buildings.
• Oversee procedures for receiving, storing, and inventorying of food and non‑food supplies.
• Develop systems that increase productivity and efficiency at point of sale, procurement, food allergy tracking, public menu sharing, etc.
• Identify opportunities for increasing revenue and/or reducing cost, and understand the fundamental financial drivers of the food service operation.
• Assess kitchen equipment and facilities needs and communicate needs to the Director of Food Service.

In addition to the functions above, the candidate must perform other duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent or Director of Finance and Operations.

Required

• Two years of hands‑on experience in a USDA school lunch program or similar workplace.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Recordkeeping and basic tabulation skills.
• Serve Safe Food Production Manager Certification or 8 hours of food safety training (may be obtained within 30 days upon hire).
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred

• Three or more years of hands‑on…