Job Title:Food Service Operational Manager

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Child Nutrition

Date Revised: 3/31/26

Dept./School: Child Nutrition

Term: 12 Month

Primary Purpose

To assist the Director of Child Nutrition Programs at Seaman/USD#345 with the operation of the school nutrition services department and perform tasks related to the efficient operation of the food service office on-site operations and satellite schools.

Qualifications

Education/Certification(s)/License(s):

Bachelors degree or equivalent educational experience with academic major in food and nutrition dietetics home and consumer sciences food service management nutrition education culinary arts business or a related field

Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word Excel) and Google Drive

Working knowledge of safe food handling procedures and completion of KSDEs and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDAs) food safety professional development requirements

Eight hours of food safety training

Clear and valid Kansas drivers license

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Strong organization communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of menu planning food purchasing and preparation of foods in food service environment

Knowledge is required to perform basic math including calculations using fractions percents and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions

Ability to conduct on-site inspections of and assistance to food service facilities districtwide

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Experience:

3 years experience in food service management

Essential Job Functions

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Assist to direct and manage the districts child nutrition programs in cooperation with the department director. Supervise and coordinate food service to provide nutritious meals and safeguard the health of students staff and visitors. Develop short- and long-term goals for the school food service department. Maintain integrity and accountability of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) through compliance with all federal state and local regulations.
2. Create an atmosphere that enhances employee productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.
3. Implement organization techniques to accomplish job tasks with efficiency and maximum development of human resources.
4. Ensure CNP compliance with all federal state and local laws regulations and policies. Keep accurate and timely records for the school district and Kansas State Department of Education/Child Nutrition & Wellness review.
5. Manage office operations for the Child Nutrition Department including answering phones and emails related to any aspect of the food service program. Use professional discretion and follow confidentiality procedures in administering the program. Provide technical assistance and professional development for CNP personnel and other support staff.
6. Supervise and administer the approval and verification of applications for CNP benefits. Maintain confidential ongoing eligibility files and database for all direct certification records and Child Nutrition Benefit Issuance (free and reduced-price meal applications) as required by KSDE/CNW. Keep records current and notify school(s)/district of changes within confidentiality guidance. Send letters of approval and denial of Child Nutrition Benefits to parents and guardians as required. Update Point of Sale Food Service System and District Database with status changes in coordination with the District Technology Department.
7. Complete Verification Process as required by KSDE/CNW annually as required for students qualified for Child Nutrition Benefits. Complete annual CEP data reporting as required to KSDE/CNW.
8. Works with the Director to implement train maintain and troubleshoot all computer applications used in the department which includes Point of Sale (POS) Software Household Eligibility Management Software Nutritional Analysis Software and Online Menu Software. Complete compilation of meal counts for monthly claims for state and federal funding to KSDE/CNW and files online for final approval by the Director of Child Nutrition.
9. Assists with Development of menus meeting established nutritional requirements for students. Assist to maintain ingredient recipe and menu files in the current software program. Oversees department nutrition and allergen database.
10. Work cooperatively with the Director and Principals to create lunch schedules and resolve personnel issues. Assist with reviewing employment applications interviews and onboarding of all food service personnel. Work cooperatively with the district manager to coordinate daily substitute workers. Assist to select train supervise and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment retention discipline and dismissal. Assist as a substitute computer operator at any site with minimal notice.
11. Assist to develop and maintain written procedures for all food service operations. Have knowledge concerning the appropriate operation of all kitchen equipment and ability to effectively train others on safe and correct use of equipment.
12. Assist to develop and administer budget based on documented needs and ensure operations are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
13. Work cooperatively to develop and implement a cost-effective and efficient food procurement and inventory system meeting both federal and Kansas State Department of Education standards. Compare prices from vendors with bid documents and take necessary actions to ensure proper billing from suppliers. Process and requisition all invoices in cooperation with the Seaman Business Office. Maintain records necessary for auditing requirements of the department.
14. Assist with the evaluation of formal and informal bids and make recommendations for the awarding of contracts for school board approval.
15. Assist to develop and implement inventory and stock control programs for food equipment and supplies and recommend replacement and disposal of obsolete equipment as necessary.
16. Implement federal and state law and regulations and board policy.
17. Compile maintain and file all reports records and other documents required. Manages Food Service Fund deposits and assists the Business Department with monthly bank reconciliations as required. Make deposits to the bank as needed. Posts debits and credits to databases keeping records of all daily lunch reports. Audit daily data for accuracy and assist with error correction by computer operators in the schools. Provides ongoing training for all computer operators using the food service accountability system.
18. Ensure employee time records are accurately maintained and data necessary to process food service payroll is complete in coordination with the district Payroll Clerk. Ensure leave is accurately entered into the payroll system as required by the district for all department personnel. Maintains training records and notes for food service personnel.
19. Complete minimum annual continuing education requirements.
20. Prepare review and revise job descriptions for food service department positions.
21. Develop training options and improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation in the food service area.
22. Ensure measures are in place and operating to protect food supplies and equipment in school cafeterias lunchrooms and warehouses.
23. Maintain safety standards conforming with federal state and insurance regulations and develop a program of preventive safety.
24. Organize and conduct training programs to promote safe food handling and a safe work environment.
25. Comply with all district policies rules and regulations.
26. Assumes all department responsibilities in absence of the Director.
27. Other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

1. Requires the ability to maintain emotional control while under stress and in stressful situations.
2. Requires the ability to frequently work prolonged and irregular hours.
3. Requires the ability to frequently sit for prolonged periods of time.
4. Requires the ability to use standard office equipment including computer and peripherals and other equipment for prolonged periods of time.
5. Requires the ability to frequently use repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
6. Requires the ability to occasionally bend/stoop push/pull twist or reach.
7. Requires the ability to occasionally lift and carry items 40 lbs. or less.
8. Requires the ability to frequently travel within the district.
9. Requires the ability to work and concentrate in noisy and crowded environments.
10. Requires the ability to work with frequent interruptions.
11. Requires timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assist to supervise evaluate and recommend the hiring and possible termination of cafeteria managers supervisors and support staff assigned to the child nutrition department.

Required Experience:

Manager