Cafeteria Assistant Manager - IDEA Mays (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools is a prominent charter school network committed to delivering high-quality education to students primarily in Texas and other states. Known for its innovative approach to education, IDEA emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and preparing students for success in college and beyond. The organization fosters a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all team members, students, and families, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment. The school system is dedicated to being one of the healthiest school districts in the nation, particularly through its comprehensive child nutrition programs that prioritize the well-being of students.

The role of Cafeteria Assistant Manager at IDEA Public Schools is pivotal within the Child Nutrition Program (CNP), supporting the Cafeteria Manager in leading the team at the campus level. The Assistant Manager ensures adherence to stringent food and nutrition standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and relevant state agencies. This position demands meticulous attention to detail in monitoring food quality, maintaining sales records, processing payments, managing inventories, and offering exceptional customer service to students and parents alike. The role is hourly, with compensation ranging from $16.96 to $21.20 depending on experience, plus eligibility for a performance bonus tied to team achievements and goal attainment.

In this position, the Assistant Manager plays an essential role in ordering supplies and ensuring that every student receives a nutritious and appealing meal every day. The Assistant Manager helps implement IDEA's vision of 'College For All' by maintaining operational excellence and compliance with policies and nutritional standards. They coordinate regular audits, precise meal counts, and compliance with reimbursement procedures to eliminate follow-up findings during audits. The job also involves recruiting and developing staff members, conducting employee meetings to address operational topics and nutrition education, and submitting accurate timesheets. Continuous improvement and professional development are encouraged, and those in this role are prepared for potential promotion to Cafeteria Manager.

The Assistant Manager will also promote healthy eating initiatives such as increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption and maintaining salad bars where applicable. They play an active role in engaging with families at events like report card nights to communicate the benefits of the meal program. The position requires strong leadership and organizational skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, the ability to interpret data effectively, and a solid understanding of food safety and sanitation standards. The candidate must also manage stress effectively while meeting deadlines and have good mathematical and basic finance skills.

Beyond competitive pay, IDEA Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package, including substantial employer contributions toward medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. Additional perks include paid family leave, tuition reimbursement, employer-paid mental and behavioral health services, disability insurance, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, and referral bonuses. For eligible candidates, relocation assistance is also available.

In summary, the Cafeteria Assistant Manager role at IDEA Public Schools provides an opportunity to be part of an organization that not only educates but also nurtures the health and development of its students. The position requires dedication, leadership, and a passion for promoting nutritional excellence in a school environment aligned with national standards, while offering extensive professional growth and benefits.