Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Life insurance
Professional Development
Employee assistance program
Job Description
USD 259 is a large public school district serving the Wichita, Kansas area, committed to providing quality education and supportive services to a diverse student population. The district encompasses numerous elementary, middle, and high schools and offers a variety of programs and initiatives to foster student success and community engagement. At the heart of the district's operations is a dedicated Nutrition Services department that ensures students have access to healthy and properly prepared meals throughout the school day, supporting both the academic and physical well-being of students.
The Nutrition Services Lead position at Mead Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year is a critical role within the Nutrition Services department. This full-time, day shift role is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The lead is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) at Mead Middle School, ensuring compliance with Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) guidelines, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition. Working under the supervision of the Manager, building Principal, and secondary Nutrition Services Programs Supervisor, the Nutrition Services Lead acts as the key onsite leader in managing cafeteria activities that promote a cost-effective, nutritious meal program.
In this role, the Nutrition Services Lead coordinates meal service activities, manages staff scheduling and training, oversees inventory and ordering, and ensures accurate record-keeping for payroll, financial transactions, and meal production. The person in this job demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills, uses professional discretion to maintain confidentiality, and adheres firmly to operational protocols such as HACCP and standard operating procedures. The successful candidate is highly organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities, including maintenance of kitchen equipment and compliance with health and safety standards.
Moreover, the Nutrition Services Lead supports the district mission by fostering a positive working relationship with students, staff, and vendors. This includes addressing customer needs with tact and diplomacy, contributing to a team-oriented environment, and assisting with additional duties as assigned. The position requires occasional travel within the district and the ability to use technology such as SMART boards and iPads alongside traditional office equipment. Physical demands include frequent lifting and carrying objects up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and other typical kitchen-related activities.
Applicants for this exciting opportunity should have a high school diploma or GED, at least two years of food service management experience, basic math skills, and a keen attention to detail. Preferred skills include basic computer proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets, as well as the ability to follow both oral and written instructions. The Nutrition Services Lead helps ensure meal service excellence in a middle school environment that values nutrition, safety, and quality customer service—making a positive difference in the lives of students and the broader school community throughout the school year.
The Nutrition Services Lead position at Mead Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year is a critical role within the Nutrition Services department. This full-time, day shift role is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The lead is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) at Mead Middle School, ensuring compliance with Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) guidelines, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition. Working under the supervision of the Manager, building Principal, and secondary Nutrition Services Programs Supervisor, the Nutrition Services Lead acts as the key onsite leader in managing cafeteria activities that promote a cost-effective, nutritious meal program.
In this role, the Nutrition Services Lead coordinates meal service activities, manages staff scheduling and training, oversees inventory and ordering, and ensures accurate record-keeping for payroll, financial transactions, and meal production. The person in this job demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills, uses professional discretion to maintain confidentiality, and adheres firmly to operational protocols such as HACCP and standard operating procedures. The successful candidate is highly organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities, including maintenance of kitchen equipment and compliance with health and safety standards.
Moreover, the Nutrition Services Lead supports the district mission by fostering a positive working relationship with students, staff, and vendors. This includes addressing customer needs with tact and diplomacy, contributing to a team-oriented environment, and assisting with additional duties as assigned. The position requires occasional travel within the district and the ability to use technology such as SMART boards and iPads alongside traditional office equipment. Physical demands include frequent lifting and carrying objects up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and other typical kitchen-related activities.
Applicants for this exciting opportunity should have a high school diploma or GED, at least two years of food service management experience, basic math skills, and a keen attention to detail. Preferred skills include basic computer proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets, as well as the ability to follow both oral and written instructions. The Nutrition Services Lead helps ensure meal service excellence in a middle school environment that values nutrition, safety, and quality customer service—making a positive difference in the lives of students and the broader school community throughout the school year.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Two years of management experience in food service
- Ability to count money and make change
- Basic computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet preferred
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Attention to detail and adherence to CNP regulations
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Two years of management experience in food service
- Ability to count money and make change
- Basic computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet preferred
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Attention to detail and adherence to CNP regulations
Job Duties
- Operate the Child Nutrition Program within established guidelines for Nutrition Services
- Observe and coordinate meal service activities to provide nutritious meals and safeguard health
- Ensure all activities conform to school, Nutrition Services, community and KSDE standards
- Make recommendations for staffing and schedule employee job functions for meal service
- Train new employees
- Use professional discretion and maintain confidentiality in managing staff
- Use good communication and management skills working with team members and students
- Maintain accurate payroll and timecard records
- Ensure safety of food during preparation and comply with HACCP plan
- Follow Standard Operation Procedures
- Ensure cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen and serving area
- Demonstrate knowledge of kitchen equipment and train employees on safe use
- Maintain onsite items needed for daily meals and sales
- Order food and supply items from vendors and warehouse
- Verify orders received match amounts ordered
- Plan daily menu production and maintain inventory
- Conduct monthly inventory of food and supplies
- Maintain customer accounts and balances
- Keep accurate timely records for Nutrition Services and KSDE
- Maintain cash reserve and prepare daily reports
- Prepare monthly meal accountability reports including a la carte sales
- Review Edit Check daily and include in monthly reports
- Prepare meals per USDA guidelines and menus
- Maintain Daily Production Records
- Act as Cafeteria Manager in their absence
- Communicate with Nutrition Services Office on production, inspections and maintenance issues
- Support Nutrition Services philosophy and mission
- Perform other assigned duties
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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