Kitchen Manager

The Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) Food and Nutrition Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality food services to students, staff, and the community it serves in Peoria, Arizona. This department operates with a focus on nutrition, food safety, and efficient service delivery, managing multiple cafeteria and kitchen operations across various school sites. As an educational institution's vital support department, the Food and Nutrition Services team strives to meet and exceed federal, state, and local nutritional standards while maintaining compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.

The Food Service Kitchen Manager role within PUSD is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of kitchen activities. This includes supervising food preparation teams, managing food inventory and supplies, ensuring food safety and sanitation standards, and maintaining compliance with nutrition guidelines. The position is a 9.5-month term, designated under salary classification 13, reflecting the professional responsibility and expertise required. Reporting directly to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, the manager plays a critical role in maintaining smooth and effective food service delivery in school cafeterias.

In this role, the Food Service Kitchen Manager will lead, train, and supervise personnel to ensure optimal performance and adherence to established operational standards. The manager will coordinate schedules, assign tasks, and evaluate the work quality of food service staff, fostering a collaborative team environment and promoting continuous improvement. They will also be responsible for planning and supervising all food preparation activities, reviewing menus, monitoring food service lines, and guaranteeing meals are served at the correct temperature and portion sizes.

The manager will handle inventory control by overseeing the receipt, storage, and usage of food products and supplies. They will ensure that all food deliveries meet quality and quantity standards and manage the restocking process when necessary. Additionally, the position includes responsibilities related to cash handling and financial reconciliation as it pertains to food service transactions.

This role demands a professional who is knowledgeable about federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to food services, nutrition standards, and food safety. The ability to interpret and apply these complex rules and policies within the school district environment is essential. Further, the manager should possess strong organizational skills, expertise in bookkeeping or accounting as it relates to food service operations, and the capability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, students, parents, vendors, and school administrators.

This position requires a combination of practical experience and educational credentials. A high school diploma or GED is a minimum requirement, supplemented by at least five years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in food service preparation, kitchen management, or related areas. Certification as a Food Service Manager is also mandatory, with the expectation that the candidate will acquire this credential within the first month of employment if not already held. An Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card and the ability to pass background checks are also required for employment.

Working conditions may involve exposure to varying temperatures in kitchen and freezer environments, and occasional lifting of supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Flexibility to work outside of regular hours and travel as needed to fulfill job duties is also expected. This key leadership role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nutritional well-being and positive dining experiences of thousands of students across the district, making a lasting impact on their health and educational environment.