Child Nutrition Operations Coordinator

Primary Purpose:

Oversee and manage the district’s Child Nutrition operations, ensuring compliance with USDA/TDA guidelines for secondary school campuses. Foster positive relationships with Denton ISD staff, parents, and faculty to promote participation in the Child Nutrition Program and enhance understanding of its health and nutrition policies. Responsible for menu planning, site operations, and implementing best practices to support the district's nutritional goals.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree
  • Food Science, Nutrition, Institutional Management, or a related field (preferred)
• Current Serv Safe Food Protection Manager certification or an approved alternative
• Ability to qualify as a proctor/instructor for Serv Safe classes and examinations
• School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) certification (preferred)

Experience

• Five (5) years of management experience in USDA Child Nutrition programs

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in food service environment
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient skills in using PC and software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for document creation, data analysis, and database management

Key Responsibilities:

Food Service Operations

• Direct and oversee field supervisors to meet district cafeteria and food service program objectives.
• Collaborate with principals to develop meal schedules and address operational challenges.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental procedures for food service operations, including Standard Operating Procedures, Food Safety Plan, training manuals, and employee handbooks.
• Create training materials on operational topics, including food service software, to ensure all levels of operational management understand and follow processes.
• Assess kitchen and departmental needs and make recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and board policy in food service operations.

Budget and Inventory

• Administer food service budget, ensuring programs are cost-effective and funds are properly managed.
• Ensure field supervisors manage procurement expectations of sites to meet budget expectations.
• Plan and direct inventory and stock control programs for equipment and supplies.
• Recommend disposal of obsolete equipment and replace equipment as necessary.
• Collaborates with the child nutrition’s purchasing staff to achieve departmental goals.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise child nutrition operations job descriptions.
• Develop training options and improvement plans for staff.
• Ensure annual evaluations are completed and submitted to human resources.
• Assist with recruiting, training, and supervising personnel, making informed recommendations regarding placement, transfer, retention, and dismissal.
• Engage with and resolve employee issues promptly and effectively.

Safety

• Ensure procedures are in place and functioning to protect food, supplies, and equipment in school cafeterias, lunchrooms, and warehouses.
• Maintain safety standards in compliance with federal, state, and insurance regulations, and develop an effective safety program.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Travel to campuses as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, faculty/department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of field supervisors and campus staff. 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; district vehicle

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; regular districtwide and occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Appointment:

The Superintendent of Schools will recommend the appointment of this position to the Board of Trustees based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.