Kitchen Manager

Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) is a well-established educational organization serving the Peoria, Arizona community, focusing on providing quality education and nutritional services to students across its campuses. With a commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy learning environment, PUSD emphasizes the importance of good nutrition as part of overall student well-being and academic success. The district's Food and Nutrition Services department is dedicated to ensuring that students receive nutritious meals that meet federal and state dietary standards while promoting healthy eating habits. As one of the largest and most reputable school districts in the area, PUSD is known for its dedication to serving diverse student populations with integrity, innovation, and community involvement. The district operates multiple schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, each equipped with food service facilities managed to deliver quality meal programs efficiently and safely.

The Food Service Kitchen Manager position at Apache Elementary within PUSD is a vital role responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the school cafeteria kitchen. This position reports directly to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services and involves managing a variety of food preparation and service tasks throughout the school year, with a term of employment lasting 9.5 months. The role demands leadership in supervising cafeteria staff, coordinating schedules, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. The salary classification for this position is set at 13, reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required.

The Food Service Kitchen Manager will lead the kitchen team, ensuring that all food services are delivered according to established nutrition guidelines, safety standards, and district policies. Key responsibilities include planning and supervising food preparation, maintaining inventory and supply levels, and guaranteeing sanitation standards in the kitchen and related areas are met rigorously. This role also involves monitoring food service lines to ensure proper portion sizes, food temperature, and meal eligibility verification for students eligible for free or reduced-cost meals. Additionally, the manager manages cash handling procedures and maintains accurate records for food production and supplies.

Candidates can expect a dynamic work environment that requires balancing administrative oversight with hands-on kitchen management. The role offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a community-focused setting while directly contributing to student health and well-being. Adequate training and technical guidance will be provided to ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. The successful candidate will have strong skills in inventory control, bookkeeping, nutrition standards, and customer relations, particularly interactions with students, parents, and school staff.

Overall, the Food Service Kitchen Manager position at Apache Elementary provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced food service professional seeking a stable and rewarding career in school nutrition services. It offers meaningful work supporting education and healthy development in children, combined with the structure of school district employment and the chance to be part of a collaborative team committed to excellence.