Food Production Manager

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Food Production Manager to supervise cafeteria and/or commissaries. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the entire food production process, ensuring products meet quality standards while maximizing efficiency and safety.

Under the direction of the Director of Nutrition Services, you will be responsible for the planning, organizing, and supervision of multiple school sites' food service production units under the guideline of CACFP and NSLP; supervise cooks/servers in the preparation and cooking of a variety of foods; supervise the operation of the kitchen and cafeteria, and performs other related work as required.

Your leadership will drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimize production schedules, and foster a collaborative team environment. If you thrive in fast-paced time constraint cafeteria settings and possess a passion for process excellence, this opportunity is for you!

Duties

Supervises the Nutritional Services food service production unit and manages the program in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

Follows daily menus, offering choices, tasty, nutritious, attractive, and well prepared foods.

Prepares food items from menus, recipes, and other cooking instructions, supervising all ingredients and quantities used.

Participates in food preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup.

Estimates, orders, receives, and inventories appropriate quantities of food and supplies as required.

Determines whether to retain or discard leftover food items.

Assumes responsibility for receiving, storing, handling, preparing, and serving food according to established standards.

Assures that sanitation and safety practices in all phases of the Nutrition Services operation meet established standards.

Coordinates, instructs, and directs the work of other Nutrition Services staff working at the same location.

Maintains records of foods and supplies received, forwarding signed invoices to the district Nutrition Services office.

Maintains required systems of accountability.

Prepares oral and written reports.

Partners with teachers, parents, staff and community to promote nutrition education and student success.

Develops and chairs Student Nutrition Advisory Council.

Promotes student and staff satisfaction by merchandising and serving meals in an attractive manner.

Plans schedules and work assignments.

Trains, supervises, and evaluates staff according to established procedures.

Works with custodial staff to maintain facility.

Submits work orders to maintain the operation of the kitchen and equipment;

Cooperates in use of facilities for special events.

Attends manager and staff meetings.

Certifies time worked for all staff, substitute and student workers.

Implements a professional growth plan.

Do other related work as required and assigned.

Skills

• Extensive experience in production management within a manufacturing or food processing environment
• Proficiency with SAP, ERP systems, MRP, and manufacturing management systems for planning and scheduling
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement strategies
• Expertise in production planning, assembly processes, and supply chain analytics to enhance operational efficiency
• Excellent team leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop cross-functional teams
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting purposes
• Mechanical knowledge relevant to plant equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting
• Effective communication skills for cross-departmental collaboration in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with quality control standards, safety protocols, and plant management best practices

Required:

Proof of current food safety certification as required by Tennessee Law and the Health and Safety Code.

Valid Tennessee driver's license with safe driving record.

Ability to supervise, train, and assign personnel.

Demonstrable knowledge of principles and techniques of quantity food production, cost controls, service, safety and sanitation.

Ability to relate well with students.

Ability to understand and implement written and oral instructions.

Ability to communicate clearly.

Maintain accurate records.

Work cooperatively.

Appropriate personal hygiene.

Desirable:

High School Diploma or equivalent plus three courses at the college level in such areas as sanitation and safety or food service management.

Two years experience in quantity food preparation.

Knowledge of:

Principles of nutrition.

Computer skills.

Basic cooking techniques, procedures and proper methods in cooking and/or preparing all types of foods in large quantities, supervising other personnel in these functions and in cleaning kitchen areas.

Basic commercial kitchen machines and utensils.

Ability to:

Work while standing or walking for long periods of time.

Get along with others while working under close circumstances.

Coordinate work with others to accomplish an objective in a given time.

Organize duties so they may be accomplished in a minimum amount of time.

Join us as a Food Production Manager where your expertise will shape efficient operations, elevate product quality, and inspire teams to achieve excellence every day!

Pay: $20.95 - $23.84 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $24