Nutrition Services Lead: Northwest High School

The Northwest High School, located in Wichita, Kansas, is part of the USD 259 public school district and is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment to support student success and well-being. This educational institution values the health and nutritional needs of its diverse student body, ensuring that nutritious meals are served daily in a well-managed cafeteria setting. Northwest High School prides itself on fostering a collaborative work environment for its staff and maintaining compliance with state and federal guidelines related to child nutrition programs. Its Nutrition Services Department is dedicated to delivering high-quality food service operations that promote healthy eating habits and support overall student performance and wellness.

The role of Nutrition Services Lead at Northwest High School is a vital position responsible for managing the daily operations of the cafeteria within the secondary school. Reporting directly to the Manager, the building Principal, and the Supervisor of Secondary Nutrition Services Programs, the Nutrition Services Lead oversees the implementation of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) within established guidelines. This full-time, day shift position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the importance of maintaining a cost-effective and high-integrity nutrition service for students, faculty, and visitors.

In this leadership role, the Nutrition Services Lead coordinates meal service activities, ensuring that meals provided are nutritious, safe, and conform to school standards, as well as the regulations set forth by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and other community standards. Responsibilities include recommending staff schedules, training new employees, maintaining payroll and timecard accuracy, and supervising the cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen and serving areas. The role requires a working knowledge of food safety principles, including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan, and adherence to Standard Operation Procedures. The Nutrition Services Lead also manages inventory control, ordering food and supplies, and verifying deliveries to maintain efficient meal production.

Additionally, the position involves accurate record-keeping for customer accounts, cash handling, and preparation of accountability reports in accordance with USDA guidelines and KSDE requirements. The Nutrition Services Lead acts as the Cafeteria Manager in their absence, communicates regularly with the Nutrition Services Office regarding daily production issues, health inspections, maintenance, and equipment repair, and supports the overarching philosophy and mission of Nutrition Services. The role demands effective communication and management skills, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population of employees, students, and vendors.

Physical and mental demands of the job include standing, bending, lifting light to moderate weights, and occasional overtime. The position may require limited travel between schools and central offices and the use of technology such as smartboards, iPads, and standard office equipment. A high school diploma or GED is required, along with two years of management experience in food service. Basic computer skills and the ability to perform math functions related to money handling are preferred. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the health and wellness of students while developing professional skills in management and nutrition services within a dynamic school environment.