What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Cook/Kitchen Manager, Salem Public Schools [SY 2026-2027] position at Salem Public Schools - Food and Nutrition Services?
Head Cook/Kitchen Manager, Salem Public Schools [SY 2026-2027]
Reports to
FNS Director/ Assistant Director
Term of Employment
Rate set by AFSCME (currently $27.97/hr), 30 Hours Per Week
About Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity.
Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 10 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website at https://salemk12.org/.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Efficient, clean, and safe preparation, serving, and clean-up of daily meals.
- Working knowledge and effective use of the POS system.
- Able to prepare receipts for deposit.
- Ability to show flexibility in tasks – serving, food prep, running POS system, clean up.
- Provides supervision to cafeteria staff to maintain uniform standards and practices.
- Provides training to cafeteria staff in areas of food preparation, quality control, and sanitation.
- Supervises and participates in food preparation and service in order to maintain high standards of food flavor and appearance.
- Orders food and supplies in accordance with menu and volume requirements.
- Verifies deliveries and safeguards storage of food and supplies.
- Establishes daily and weekly work schedules for cafeteria personnel and delegates assignments as needed.
- Ensures the health and safety of students and personnel by instructions in adherence to The Massachusetts Sanitary Code.
- Assists Assistant Director with corrective action procedures, as needed.
- Maintains careful and accurate records of income, inventory, food and supplies, and personnel.
- Maintains staffing levels as assigned by Assistant Director
- Submits all required reports including payroll, and requisitions in accordance with prescribed instruction.
- Promotes fair and harmonious working relationships to encourage and motivate personnel.
- Works cooperatively with students, school administrators, and school personnel.
- Records cash receipts, prepares bank deposits and monthly income reports.
- Participates in in-service training and other activities to stimulate professional growth.
- Reports to work as scheduled and signs the posted timesheet.
- Performs related work duties as requested by the Department of Food & Nutrition Services.
Job Requirements
- High School Diploma (or equivalent)
- Serve Safe and Allergen awareness Certification
- Strong sense of customer service
- Some Computer knowledge is a plus
- Good organizational and communication skills
- Must be flexible
- Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds
- Sense of pride in serving healthy, nutritious meals
- Enjoy working with children
- Ability to take direction
- Bilingual, candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply
- Current authorization to work in the United States
Work Year: This is a school-year position.
Benefits: The City of Salem offers Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits to all full-time employees. Click here for more information about our health benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.