Job Summary Table of Nutrition Services Director

Job Description Summary

The Director of Nutrition Services oversees the comprehensive management of school district’s child nutrition program, ensuring compliance with Opaa! policies, client policies, and governmental regulations while acting as a liaison between Opaa! Food Management and the school district.

🍳 Nutrition Services Director – Core Responsibilities

Are you passionate about child nutrition and creating positive food service experiences in educational settings? Opaa! Food Management is seeking an experienced and dedicated Nutrition Services Director to lead our school district’s food service operations. This role requires exceptional operational management skills, strong leadership abilities, and a genuine passion for providing nutritious meals to students.

Operations Management Responsibilities

The Nutrition Services Director position demands excellent operational oversight capabilities to ensure smooth daily kitchen operations. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring daily kitchen operations across all facilities, including menu execution, production boards, inventory management, food quality standards, kitchen cleanliness, and strict adherence to food safety protocols and HACCP guidelines
• Ensuring accurate completion of daily production records and proper implementation of reimbursable meals according to meal pattern requirements set by Opaa! and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Verifying proper tray counting policies through Point of Sale (POS) systems to maintain accurate records
• Operating within established cost parameters for food, waste, labor, direct costs, and supplies for each kitchen location
• Facilitating timely, efficient, and high-quality meal production and service across all facilities
• Overseeing food preparation processes, batch cooking techniques, and quality control measures to maintain exceptional standards for preparation, presentation, and sanitation
• Championing superior customer service by promptly investigating and resolving food quality and service complaints
• Coordinating meal preparation and daily transportation logistics for satellite locations where applicable
• Ensuring strict adherence to menu guidelines and recipes according to Opaa! standards
• Maintaining impeccable cleanliness and organization standards throughout kitchen and storage areas
• Documenting daily entree presentations through photography and submitting to supervisors for review
• Identifying and reporting maintenance issues to district personnel

Leadership and Team Management

As a Nutrition Services Director, your leadership will directly impact the success of the food service program. Your supervisory responsibilities will include:

• Conducting weekly Kitchen Manager meetings to ensure alignment with program goals and standards
• Leading daily huddles to outline production needs, review daily dishes, share important information, and connect with staff
• Participating in monthly leadership meetings and implementing strategies learned to enhance program effectiveness
• Managing staff performance with efficiency and effectiveness, escalating concerns to supervisor when necessary
• Overseeing the hiring, onboarding, training, and management of all direct reports while maintaining compliance with labor regulations
• Creating and communicating staff schedules that align with meals per labor hour (MPLH) goals
• Addressing performance issues and workplace conflicts promptly and appropriately
• Tracking and managing staff attendance according to company policies
• Providing comprehensive training for all kitchen staff on various job stations and ensuring cross-training to maintain operational flexibility
• Fostering a positive work environment that supports, engages, develops, and retains kitchen staff

📋 Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

The Nutrition Services Director must maintain strict compliance with numerous regulations and standards, including:

• Adherence to Opaa! recipes and menu plans, securing approval for any menu changes from the Culinary team
• Implementation of all Opaa! HR policies, federal labor laws, timekeeping procedures, payroll processing, background checks, I-9/eVerify requirements, and proper documentation
• Completion of all pre-employment testing and onboarding procedures before staff begin working
• Enforcement of all HACCP processes and safety procedures throughout kitchen operations
• Compliance with worker safety guidelines, health regulations, and equipment certification requirements
• Creation and maintenance of worker’s compensation documentation and timely reporting of incidents
• Participation in required annual training and ensuring all kitchen staff complete mandated training hours
• Maintenance of comprehensive employee files for both active and terminated staff

Client Relationship Management

Building and maintaining strong relationships is essential for this role. Your responsibilities include:

• Establishing effective communication channels at all levels to maximize customer and client satisfaction
• Scheduling regular meetings with building principals and district administrators
• Keeping the Regional Director of Operations informed about relevant district information
• Developing a professional relationship with the school’s LEA or designated point of contact
• Preparing and presenting monthly status reports to the Board of Education, with in-person presentations at least twice per school year
• Cultivating positive working relationships with district staff and promoting a positive attitude toward the meal program
• Organizing quality catered events for the district and community within established cost parameters
• Implementing marketing events according to Opaa! guidelines
• Leading Nutrition Advisory Council Meetings in partnership with the school district each semester
• Participating in the school district’s wellness program initiatives

💼 Administrative and Business Management

The Nutrition Services Director position requires strong administrative skills to:

• Achieve metrics related to participation growth, labor cost management, and food cost control according to established budgets
• Problem-solve effectively to overcome challenges related to meeting performance metrics
• Complete weekly paperwork in a timely and accurate manner
• Manage purchasing of food, government commodities, and supplies according to company procedures
• Ensure timely completion of all required HACCP documentation
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and conduct accurate inventory counts
• Complete and reconcile participation reports with district POS numbers
• Properly receive and account for all products, noting any discrepancies
• Follow established ordering policies and procedures
• Manage digital systems for menu creation, applicant tracking, payroll processing, and HR management
• Respond promptly to communications from the district, Home Office, and leadership
• Maintain organized records and files according to company standards

Company Overview

Opaa! Food Management specializes in providing high-quality food service solutions to educational institutions. The company is guided by four core values: 1) Acting in the best interest of students, schools, and communities; 2) Demonstrating honesty in all actions; 3) Maintaining a passion to serve others; and 4) Committing to continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED (minimum requirement)
• Minimum three years of relevant food service experience OR one year of experience with an associate’s degree
• At least one year in customer service/hospitality role
• Comprehensive knowledge of kitchen functions and equipment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Minimum one year of supervisory experience (preferred)

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Mathematical aptitude for recipe adjustment and measurement calculations
• Ability to interpret various instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form
• Problem-solving skills for addressing food service and customer relationship issues
• Working knowledge of computers and automated systems

Equal Opportunity Statement

Opaa! is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the LinkedIn job posting. For additional questions, please contact Opaa! Food Management directly through the provided application link.

FAQs

Q: What is the typical schedule for this position?

A: The Director of Nutrition Services typically works during school hours with some flexibility required for evening Board of Education meetings and special catered events.

Q: Does this position require travel between different school locations?

A: Yes, the Director will need to visit multiple kitchen locations within the school district to ensure proper operations and staff management.

Q: What certifications might be beneficial for this position?

A: While not explicitly required, certifications in food safety, nutrition, or school food service management would be valuable assets for candidates.

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