High School Cafeteria Manager - School Lunch Program - 2025/2026 SY

Scope:
The High School Cafeteria Manager is responsible for the efficient, day-to-day operation of the high school cafeteria under the general direction of the School Lunch Director. This position oversees the preparation, service, and sanitation of all food operations within the cafeteria. The Manager supervises and supports kitchen staff, maintains food quality and safety standards, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and manages inventory, ordering, and reporting systems. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to foster a positive and productive working environment and ensure high levels of customer service for students and staff.

Examples of Job Duties:

• Develops and implements daily and weekly food production schedules in accordance with menus provided.
• Prepares and cooks a variety of foods using standardized recipes and proper food preparation techniques.
• Oversees food preparation to ensure items are prepared in small batches throughout the serving period to maintain freshness.
• Accurately estimates food requirements and manages portion control to minimize waste and leftovers.
• Supervises, instructs, and supports kitchen staff in food preparation, service, and sanitation practices.
• Monitors kitchen equipment and food preparation areas to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
• Reports repair and maintenance needs promptly to the School Lunch Director.
• Follows established menus and makes substitutions only with supervisory approval.
• Operates point-of-sale system (Mosaic) during meal service and ensures all transactions comply with reimbursement guidelines.
• Accurately charges student accounts and maintains daily records of meals served, cash received, and deposits made.
• Processes and reconciles student meal account deposits and maintains related documentation.
• Orders food and kitchen supplies based on daily and weekly needs; may place recurring orders (e.g., milk, bread).
• Ensures proper storage and inventory of all food items and supplies.
• Maintains cleanliness of kitchen equipment and utensils, and ensures compliance with local health regulations.
• Enforces district policies and procedures related to food service operations.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with students, staff, and school administrators.
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the operation of the school cafeteria.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of food service supervision, including team leadership and scheduling.
• Knowledge of large-scale food preparation techniques and recipe adaptation for special dietary needs.
• Familiarity with inventory control, food storage, and ordering procedures.
• Understanding of nutrition, portion control, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Proficiency in operating kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to lift and carry food and supplies up to 30 pounds.
• Excellent organizational, recordkeeping, and problem-solving skills.
• Competency with point-of-sale systems and basic computer applications related to food service operations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with staff, students, and administrators.
• Commitment to personal cleanliness, proper hygiene, and maintaining a professional appearance.

 Working Environment & Equipment Used: The job’s functions requires the following physical demands: occasional lifting (30 pounds maximum), carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant reaching, handling, speaking, writing, hearing, and fine finger dexterity; frequent standing, walking, and sitting, and lifting up to 30 pounds. High volume of work and strict adherence to workload may be stressful. 

Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience handling cash
• Posses a valid food handler's permit or ability to pass the exam
• Must have working knowledge of basic math applications and computation skills

RATE OF PAY:  
$ 26.33 per hour/ 7 hours per day
Monday - Friday 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM with 1/2 hour lunch
 **Please note that the work schedule for this position may be subject to changes based on the school year calendar, weather conditions and operational needs.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply On-line 
http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us