Nutrition Program Kitchen Manager

Spring Lake Park Schools is a dynamic and inclusive educational community located in the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, serving approximately 6,200 students from the suburbs of Blaine, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park. The district is deeply committed to the motto, 'High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses,' which drives its mission to address the unique and diverse needs of every student. This commitment is reflected in the district's focus on personalized learning and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. The district employs human-centered design thinking to empower teachers and staff with the freedom and flexibility to develop innovative educational methods that enhance student engagement and promote continuous improvement in student success.

This particular role is a full-year employment opportunity for a Nutrition Program Kitchen Manager at Centerview Elementary School within the Spring Lake Park Schools district. The position is for 7.5 hours per day across 181 school days in the academic year. The salary is competitive at $23.95 per hour, with an additional $1.00 per hour for those holding a Certified Food Protection Manager license or certificate. The role is integral to ensuring the successful operation of the school’s Nutrition Services program, emphasizing food safety, sanitation, food preparation, and leadership responsibilities.

The Nutrition Program Kitchen Manager is entrusted with the comprehensive management of the school nutrition program at Centerview Elementary. This includes overseeing food safety and sanitation practices, ensuring compliance with health department codes and HACCP standards, and managing all facets of food preparation including batch cooking, meal service, and adherence to USDA nutritional guidelines. The position requires organizing and maintaining accurate files, reports, and audits related to nutrition services. A vital part of the role is leading and training Nutrition Services Associates, providing guidance and oversight to ensure daily operational tasks are executed efficiently and effectively.

Working under the limited supervision of the Director of Nutrition Services, the kitchen manager is expected to exercise leadership skills to inspire teamwork and handle various challenges autonomously. The role demands strong communication abilities for interacting with a wide array of stakeholders, including parents, students, school administrative teams, staff, and co-workers. Public speaking skills are essential for conducting staff training sessions. Additionally, the manager must maintain a positive, approachable demeanor, displaying flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic school environment.

The responsibilities extend to meal planning and control, ensuring meal patterns are followed accurately for breakfast, second chance breakfast, and lunch periods, with careful attention to forecasting and accommodating student preferences. The kitchen manager ensures serving lines are properly set up and meals are served promptly within the designated meal period despite frequent schedule changes. Collaboration with nurses, students, and parents is crucial for managing food allergies, while overseeing kitchen and serving areas to maintain safe and sanitary work conditions.

Fiscal responsibilities include ordering food and supplies, verifying invoices and deliveries, and ensuring proper storage practices such as FIFO. The role also demands maintaining a clean and organized workspace to support operational efficiency. The kitchen manager is accountable for compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, keeping thorough production and temperature logs, and submitting timely reports and paperwork to the Nutrition Services Program Assistant.

Candidates must be self-starters, independent workers who can manage multiple priorities and respond flexibly to changing demands. The role requires physical stamina for lifting up to 50 pounds, standing or walking for extended periods, and performing repetitive tasks. Proficiency with technology such as laptops, online order entry, Outlook email, Skyward, and Campus software is necessary for reporting and troubleshooting purposes.

Spring Lake Park Schools offers a supportive work environment with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and sick leave. They embrace equal opportunity employment practices, welcoming applications from diverse candidates without discrimination. The Nutrition Program Kitchen Manager position is a rewarding career opportunity for a skilled food service professional passionate about contributing to student health and well-being within a progressive public school community.