DIRECTOR OF FOOD SERVICE (1.0 FTE)
General Duties:
The director of food service will oversee and support food service operations across elementary, middle, and high schools within the East Grand Rapids Public School District. This is a hands-on leadership role which requires strict adherence to regulations and guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), and district-specific K-12 meal service policies. The director will commit to actively supporting daily operations at all levels and will invest approximately 50% of their time in direct support of food production and service. The director is responsible for all aspects of the food service program including maintaining best practices in food safety, meal planning, personnel training, purchasing and inventory management, facility planning, budgeting, state and federal reporting, vending and banquet operations, POS software maintenance, and other related duties. Additionally, the director will provide strategic leadership in administering and evaluating the district’s food service program, overseeing staff management and development, ensuring regulatory compliance while advancing nutritional well-being, creating operational efficiencies, and ensuring meaningful collaboration with school and community stakeholders.
Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or related field; or an Associate’s degree or equivalent educational experience in one of the related fields along with at least 2 years of relevant school nutrition programs experience
- Ability to complete at least 12 hours of continuing USDA education annually
- Knowledge of federal and state law, as well as MDE rules and regulations relating to school food service
- Ability to lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate food service staff to ensure a healthy and successful environment
- Ability to plan and implement cost effective monthly menus for all buildings which comply with USDA regulations
- Willingness and commitment to include equity, social justice, and inclusion in all practices
- Ability to prepare and administer the operational budget and to complete all required state and federal reporting
- Willingness to apply for grants, as well as federal and state subsidies to support the district food service program
- Willingness to inspect school kitchen facilities to ensure that standard operating procedures are being followed
- Ability to work cooperatively with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and vendors
- Excellent organizational and communication skills (written, verbal, and listening skills)
- Experience in a school food service environment (preferred)
- Ability to be enthusiastic, friendly, flexible, and a team player who is committed to continuous improvement
- Ability to learn essential software, vending, and district systems and consistently apply District policies and procedures
- Knowledge of food service preparation, sanitation, and food service equipment (3-5 years experience preferred)
- Ability to take inventory, order supplies, and keep accurate records of food production, cash receipts, and other data
- Willingness and ability to obtain ServSafe Manager Certification and other essential certifications
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to substitute for absent kitchen personnel and to execute all aspects of the food service program as needed
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and repeatedly lift, bend, squat, climb, and reach
- Excellent attendance record with a commitment to completing all duties as assigned
Location: East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Start Date: June 2025 or earlier as mutually agreed
Compensation: 260 day contract with salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply at: http://www.applitrack.com/kent/onlineapp
Deadline: Until filled
