Nutrition Services Lead: Hamilton Middle School

Hamilton Middle School is a distinguished educational institution located in Wichita, dedicated to fostering the academic and social growth of its students through a supportive and enriching environment. As part of the USD 259 district, the school is committed to providing high-quality education and services to its diverse student body. The Nutrition Services department at Hamilton Middle School plays a crucial role in supporting student health and well-being by delivering nutritious meals that adhere to established standards and guidelines. This commitment ensures that students are fueled and ready to engage fully in their academic and extracurricular activities.

The Nutrition Services Lead at Hamilton Middle School is a pivotal position responsible for the development and coordination of the site cafeteria in this secondary school environment. Reporting directly to the Manager, the building Principal, and the Supervisor of Secondary Nutrition Services Programs, this full-time, day-shift role requires a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to oversee the Child Nutrition Program (CNP). The position operates within established Nutrition Services guidelines to provide a cost-effective and high-integrity meal program that benefits students, staff, and visitors alike.

The role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including overseeing meal service activities to ensure the delivery of nutritious meals while safeguarding health and safety standards. The Nutrition Services Lead ensures compliance with all school, Nutrition Services, community, and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) regulations. The position also involves making staffing recommendations, scheduling daily job functions, and training new employees to maintain a well-organized and efficient cafeteria operation.

This role demands strong professional discretion, confidentiality, and excellent communication and management skills to work effectively with team members and students. The Nutrition Services Lead maintains accurate payroll and timecard information, implements food safety protocols, follows Standard Operation Procedures, and ensures the kitchen and serving areas are clean and sanitary. Moreover, the individual must demonstrate expertise in operating kitchen equipment and training staff on its safe use.

Inventory management is a critical component, requiring the lead to order and verify supplies, plan daily menu production, and conduct monthly inventory checks. In addition to financial responsibilities such as maintaining customer accounts and cash reserves, the lead prepares detailed reports, including meal accountability and Edit Check reports, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping that meets Nutrition Services and KSDE standards.

The Nutrition Services Lead acts as the Cafeteria Manager during absences, communicates daily operational issues to the Nutrition Services Office, and supports the overall mission and philosophy of Nutrition Services. The position may require some limited travel between schools and central offices and involves occasional overtime and participation in required meetings.

To succeed in this role, candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED, have at least two years of food service management experience, and demonstrate basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets. Attention to detail, adherence to regulations, and the ability to follow written and oral instructions are essential. Physical demands include lifting, carrying, bending, standing, and other movements necessary for food service operations. The Nutrition Services Lead must embody professionalism, maintain confidentiality, and exhibit a positive and cooperative attitude while interacting with diverse populations and vendor contacts.

Located at 1407 S. Broadway, Wichita, this role is non-exempt with a 196-day calendar, embracing a full-time day schedule that aligns with the school's operational needs. Hamilton Middle School offers a dynamic workplace where the Nutrition Services Lead contributes significantly to student health, wellness, and success through superior cafeteria management and program execution.