Reports to:         Superintendent                                                               Date Revised:  04/07/2026

Dept./School:    Child Nutrition

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the child nutrition operation in the district. Plan and implement programs meeting regulatory and nutritional requirements for students, promote the development of sound nutritional practices, and maintain a safe and sanitary environment.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered. 

Eight hours of food safety training (completed not more than five years prior to employee’s start date or within 30 days of employee’s start date)

Clear and valid Texas driver’s license

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in the food service environment

Ability to conduct on-site inspections of food service facilities districtwide

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

2 years of experience in food service management**

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Child Nutrition Operations

1. Direct and manage the district’s child nutrition programs.
2. Develop menus meeting established nutritional requirements for students.
3. Work cooperatively with campus principals to create lunch schedules and resolve personnel issues.
4. Establish and direct the process of providing free and reduced lunch applications following United States Department of Agriculture and Texas Education Agency guidelines for meal eligibility and reimbursement of federal funds.
5. Develop and maintain written procedures for all food service operations.

Budget and Inventory

1. Develop and administer budget based on documented needs, and ensure operations are cost-effective and funds are managed prudently.
2. Work cooperatively to develop and implement a cost-effective and efficient food procurement and inventory system meeting both federal and Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards.
3. Assist with the evaluation of formal bids and make recommendations for the awarding of contracts for school board approval.
4. Approve and forward invoices and purchase orders for food service department to accounting department.
5. Develop and implement inventory and stock control program for equipment and supplies and recommend replacement and disposal of obsolete equipment as necessary.

Policy, Reports, and Law

1. Implement federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy.
2. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
3. Ensure employee time records are accurately maintained and data necessary to process food service payroll is delivered in a timely manner.
4. Complete minimum annual continuing education requirements.

Personnel Management

1. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
2. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for food service department positions.
3. Develop training options and improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation in the food service area.

Safety

1. Ensure measures are in place and operating to protect food, supplies, and equipment in school cafeterias, lunchrooms, and warehouses.
2. Maintain safety standards conforming with federal, state, and insurance regulations and develop a program of preventive safety.
3. Organize and conduct training programs to promote safe food handling and a safe work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of child nutrition managers, supervisors, and support staff assigned to the child nutrition department. *

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/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; frequent districtwide travel

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