POSITION TITLE: Catering Chef/Training Manager                REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Food Services

OVER-TIME STATUS: EXEMPT                                                   PAY GRADE: 219

Job Summary

Portsmouth Public Schools is seeking an experienced and dynamic Catering Chef/Training Supervisor to lead all district catering operations while overseeing the training and development of School Nutrition staff across multiple school sites.

This leadership role ensures high quality food production, event execution, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency throughout the division. The ideal candidate is a strong culinary professional with institutional food service experience who is equally skilled in staff development and operational oversight.

Essential Responsibilities

District Catering Leadership

• Plan, schedule, and staff all district special functions and catered events
• Oversee catering operations from planning through service and breakdown, both on site and remotely
• Coordinate event setup, service flow, and logistics to ensure professional execution
• Serve as the point of escalation for operational issues and customer concerns
• Monitor food quality, presentation, timelines and service standards
• Confirm event completion and communicate outcomes, feedback, and product usage
• Maintain detailed catering records, documentation, and reports

Menu Planning & Ordering Oversight

• Develop and approve catering menus aligned with customer needs and program standards
• Coordinate ordering of food, supplies, and event materials
• Verify product availability prior to scheduled events
• Communicate menus, dietary modifications, and event details to Food Service Managers and kitchen teams

Food Production & Quality Assurance

• Ensure catering items are prepared according to approved menus and established quality standards
• Oversee kitchen coordination to meet production timelines
• Direct preparation of attractive, healthy school meals and catered events
• Maintain professional standards of conduct and appearance during events

Training, Supervision & Staff Development

• Supervise food service field operations and assigned personnel
• Conduct new employee orientation and support onboarding
• Plan and deliver in-service training programs
• Train and mentor managers and staff in food production, catering execution, sanitation, equipment operation, and HACCP compliance
• Assess training needs and maintain documentation of professional development
• Serve as supervisor at each level (1 each : PreK, Elementary, Middle, and High School) to promote consistency and training models for all school demographics

Compliance & Operational Oversight

• Inspect kitchens, storage areas, and equipment to ensure food safety and sanitation compliance
• Monitor adherence to USDA, VDOE, HACCP, and district policies
• Establish and maintain operational and sanitation standards
• Analyze production records to improve forecasting and efficiency
• Assist with modified menus for students with dietary needs in collaboration with nursing staff
• Support special events, student engagement activities, and nutrition marketing initiatives
• Carry a work-issued cell phone and respond to operational needs as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of quantity food preparation experience as a chef or food production supervisor
• Institutional or school nutrition experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision and training
• Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP standards, and large-scale food production
• Knowledge of menu design, recipe development, and forecasting techniques
• Ability to develop and implement operational and training procedures
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, email, and menu planning software
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods in commercial kitchen environments
• Ability to lift and move food supplies and equipment
• Ability to travel between school sites and event locations as required

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

All applicants please submit an on-line application along with copies of supporting credentials. Be sure to connect your application to the advertised position.

PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $88,004 - $120,371