School Kitchen Manager

Reports To: Child Nutrition Program Director
Location:

About Alturas Academy

Alturas Academy is a public charter school network committed to rigorous, inquiry-based learning and student growth. Through small instructional groups and teaching students at their true academic level, we create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, critical thinking, and academic success.

At Alturas, our values of support, collaboration, and community are foundational to everything we do. School Kitchen Managers play a vital role in supporting student success by leading school nutrition operations that provide healthy, nutritious meals in a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment. This position works collaboratively with school administrators, nutrition staff, and the Child Nutrition Program Director to ensure exceptional food service, operational excellence, and compliance with all federal and state nutrition program requirements.

Position Summary

The School Kitchen Manager is responsible for the daily operation of the school kitchen, including food production, staff supervision, inventory management, customer service, financial accountability, and compliance with all USDA, state, and local regulations. The Kitchen Manager ensures high-quality meal service while creating a positive dining experience for students and staff and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Food Service

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production and service of nutritious meals following standardized recipes and USDA meal pattern requirements.
• Ensure meals meet all USDA reimbursement standards and nutrition requirements.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient meal production and service.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
• Monitor food quality and take corrective action when necessary.
• Ensure proper food storage, inventory rotation, and temperature controls.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, coach, train, and support school nutrition employees.
• Develop work schedules and assign daily responsibilities.
• Monitor employee performance and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Complete employee evaluations and recommend hiring, transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, or termination as appropriate.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive work environment.
• Resolve employee concerns and workplace conflicts professionally.

Financial & Inventory Management

• Forecast food production needs and order food, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing waste.
• Monitor food, labor, and operational costs to ensure financial efficiency.
• Follow school cash-handling procedures and maintain accurate financial records.
• Maintain accurate records of meal counts, sales, deposits, inventory, and purchasing.

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations, Idaho State Department of Education requirements, local health department regulations, and Alturas Academy policies.
• Maintain ServSafe standards and ensure all staff follow proper food safety procedures.
• Monitor sanitation practices and maintain a clean, organized kitchen.
• Conduct and document required temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety records.
• Observe workplace safety procedures and report accidents or hazards promptly.

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain open communication with the Child Nutrition Program Director, principals, teachers, and school staff.
• Collaborate with school leadership to support school events and special meal services.
• Communicate concerns affecting the health, safety, or welfare of students and staff promptly.
• Promote a welcoming dining environment through positive customer service.
• Support implementation of network-wide Child Nutrition initiatives and procedures.

Program Support

• Submit required reports and maintain accurate operational documentation.
• Participate in required training and professional development.
• Assist with catering, special events, and nutrition promotion activities.
• Support other school kitchens when needed to maintain continuity of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Child Nutrition Program Director.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Idaho Driver's License.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Previous food service experience.
• Ability to supervise employees and lead daily kitchen operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a commercial kitchen environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Experience in school nutrition or institutional food service.
• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and budgeting.
• Experience with point-of-sale meal systems and cash handling.

Employment Information

Position: Full-Time

Schedule: Based on the school nutrition calendar and operational needs.

Salary: Based on experience and education.

Benefits

Eligible employees receive benefits in accordance with Alturas Academy policies, including participation in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) and other applicable benefits.

Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures.
• Ability to travel between campuses or assist at other school kitchens when necessary.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional demeanor in a fast-paced food service environment.