Cafeteria Manager

Head Start Cafeteria Manager | Johnson City, TN

Position Summary

Help fuel a child's success every day. As Head Start Cafeteria Manager, you'll do more than serve meals. You'll help nourish young minds, support healthy growth, and create positive experiences that prepare children for success in school and life.

The Cafeteria Manager oversees daily food service operations for the Head Start program, including supervision of kitchen staff, meal production, inventory management, and compliance with all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), federal, state, and local regulations. This position ensures the preparation and delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency.

The Cafeteria Manager is responsible for coordinating menus, monitoring food quality, maintaining accurate records and reports, managing supplies and equipment, and supporting staff training and development. The position works collaboratively with Head Start staff to promote healthy eating habits and ensure nutritional requirements are met for all enrolled children.

Essential Functions

• Plan menu in cooperation with parents and Nutrition Coordinator.

• Order, purchase, and maintain proper receiving of foods to assure quality and cost control.

• Maintain proper storage and control of waste.

• Prepare and serve food.

• Supervise and train cooks.

• Prepares quality food according to a planned menu of standardized recipes.

• Keep proper records (purchases, inventory, meals served, etc.)

• Supervise maintenance of equipment, kitchen, and dining areas.

• Maintain good sanitation and safety practices, including personal appearance and hygiene.

• Assist with budget planning (food services costs, equipment, etc.)

• Completes documentation required by CACFP for all meals.

• Follows established procedures to ensure standards of cleanliness, health and safety.

• Performs such other tasks as may be assigned by the Nutrition Coordinator, or as represented on the daily schedule.

• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Paid Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and holidays
• Healthcare coverage is provided through the State of Tennessee, with UETHDA covering 100% of the monthly premium for employee-only plans (valued at approximately $600 per month or $7,200 annually). Additional coverage options are available, with any cost difference paid by the employee
• 1 day of healthcare/personal accrued per month (12 days per year)
• Retirement Plan: Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees contribute 5% of annual wages on a pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan. UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees become fully vested after five years of eligible service.
• Group Term Life Insurance (coverage equal to 1.5 times annual wages) and Voluntary Life Insurance are offered, with Group Term Life fully paid by UETHDA.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability options are available at 100% cost to the employee.
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer match

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum requirement is a High School Diploma or Equivalent; Associate's Degree - Nutrition/Dietetics/Culinary Arts degree preferred
• ServSafe certified (highly preferred)
• 2 years experience in a commercial cooking environment.
• Ability to follow all Federal, State, and Local guidelines regarding food service.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, communicate effectively, solve problems, and use Microsoft Office programs.
• Must pass required background checks, physical examination (including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds), and drug and alcohol screening.
• Must have valid TN driver's license

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will work approximately 30 hours per week, approximately 44-46 weeks per school year with a summer lay off of approximately 6 to 8 weeks. (Mid-May to early July) Working days are Monday through Friday with varying day shift hours depending on location. Elected benefits continue during temporary summer lay-off. Work is based in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Salary Based 100% on Education/Degree

$14.35 hourly for high school education

$15.86 hourly for Associate's Degree - Nutrition/Dietetics/Culinary Arts