Cook Manager, Food Service Dept, Continuous Posting 2025 - 2026 School Year RB#25-002

The Buffalo Board of Education, located in Buffalo, New York, operates one of the largest public school districts in the state, providing comprehensive educational services to a diverse student population. Committed to fostering academic excellence and inclusive learning environments, the District emphasizes not only student achievement but also the well-being of its students through various support programs, including its food service operations. The Food Service Department, headquartered at 1055 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo, NY, is dedicated to ensuring that students receive nutritious meals that meet federal, state, and local nutritional guidelines. With a focus on quality, safety, and efficiency, the department plays a vital role in supporting the overall health and academic success of students across various school locations within the District.

The role of Cook Manager within the Buffalo Board of Education is a non-competitive civil service position that carries significant responsibility in managing and operating school food service programs. The salary range for this position is $40,920 to $48,116 annually, reflecting the importance of the role in the school community. In this capacity, the Cook Manager is responsible for preparing and cooking large quantities of food to serve students in their respective schools while ensuring compliance with all nutritional standards and regulatory requirements. This position requires an individual to exercise independent judgment in menu planning, food preparation, and the supervision of food service staff.

The Cook Manager oversees all aspects of the school kitchen's daily operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining food and equipment safety, and supervising a team that typically includes School Lunch Cooks, Food Service Helpers, and student workers. Additionally, the Cook Manager is tasked with managing employee schedules, maintaining simple records such as time and inventory logs, and preparing reports on cafeteria activities. The role demands thorough knowledge of approved food preparation methods, a strong understanding of nutrition, and the ability to manage large-scale food service operations effectively.

Candidates for this role must possess excellent organizational and supervisory skills as well as the ability to relate well with children and adults in a school setting. The Cook Manager works under general supervision from the Food Service Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor but operates with significant autonomy in the kitchen. The position requires physical stamina consistent with the demands of food preparation and kitchen management, as well as excellent communication skills to understand and implement oral and written instructions.

This role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about food service and nutrition in an educational environment, offering a stable work schedule and the chance to contribute positively to the health and nutrition of the student community. The District embraces diversity and inclusivity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Employment is continuous for the 2025-2026 school year with civil service residency requirements applicable, except for Native American candidates who meet tribal enrollment or community recognition criteria. This position contributes substantially to the Buffalo Public School District's commitment to providing equal access and non-discriminatory practices while delivering quality food services to thousands of students each day.