Food Service Operational Manager
Young World Physical Education, Topeka, KS, United States
Starting Date:
May 1, 2026
Job Title:
Food Service Operational Manager
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Reports to:
Director of Child Nutrition
Term:
12 Month
Primary Purpose
To assist the Director of Child Nutrition Programs at Seaman USD 345 with the operation of the school nutrition services department and perform tasks related to the efficient operation of the food service office, on-site operations, and satellite schools.
Responsibilities
Assist to direct and manage the district's child nutrition programs in cooperation with the department director. Supervise and coordinate food service to provide nutritious meals and safeguard the health of students, staff, and visitors. Develop short- and long-term goals for the school food service department. Maintain integrity and accountability of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) through compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Create an atmosphere that enhances employee productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.
Implement organization techniques to accomplish job tasks with efficiency and maximum development of human resources.
Ensure CNP compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies. Keep accurate and timely records for the school district and Kansas State Department of Education/Child Nutrition & Wellness review.
Manage office operations for the Child Nutrition Department, including answering phones and emails related to any aspect of the food service program. Use professional discretion and follow confidentiality procedures in administering the program. Provide technical assistance and professional development for CNP personnel and other support staff.
Supervise and administer the approval and verification of applications for CNP benefits. Maintain confidential ongoing eligibility files and database for all direct certification records and Child Nutrition Benefit Issuance (free and reduced-price meal applications) as required by KSDE/CNW. Keep records current and notify school(s)/district of changes within confidentiality guidance. Send letters of approval and denial of Child Nutrition Benefits to parents and guardians as required. Update Point of Sale Food Service System and District Database with status changes in coordination with the District Technology Department.
Complete verification process and annual data reporting as required by KSDE/CNW.
Works with the Director to implement, train, maintain and troubleshoot all computer applications used in the department, including Point of Sale (POS) Software, Household Eligibility Management Software, Nutritional Analysis Software, and Online Menu Software. Complete compilation of meal counts for monthly claims for state and federal funding to KSDE/CNW and file online for final approval by the Director of Child Nutrition.
Assist with development of menus meeting established nutritional requirements for students. Maintain ingredient, recipe, and menu files in the current software program. Oversee department nutrition and allergen database.
Work cooperatively with the Director and Principals to create lunch schedules and resolve personnel issues. Assist with reviewing employment applications, interviews, and onboarding of all food service personnel. Coordinate daily substitute workers with the district manager. Assist to select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Assist as a substitute computer operator at any site with minimal notice.
Develop and maintain written procedures for all food service operations. Train others on safe and correct use of kitchen equipment.
Administer budget based on documented needs and ensure operations are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
Develop and implement a cost-effective and efficient food procurement and inventory system meeting federal and Kansas State Department of Education standards. Compare prices from vendors with bid documents, ensure proper billing from suppliers, process and requisition invoices with the Seaman Business Office, and maintain records necessary for auditing.
Evaluate informal and formal bids and recommend award of contracts for school board approval.
Implement inventory and stock control programs for food, equipment, and supplies and recommend replacement and disposal of obsolete equipment as necessary.
Maintain safety standards, preventive safety program, and compliance with federal, state, and insurance regulations.
Organize and conduct training programs to promote safe food handling and a safe work environment.
Coordinate with payroll to ensure employee time records and leave data are accurate. Maintain training records for food service personnel.
Complete annual continuing education requirements.
Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for food service department positions.
Develop training options and improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience with an academic major in food and nutrition, dietetics, home and consumer sciences, food service management, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field.
Experience:
3 years in food service management.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in food service environment.
Ability to perform basic math, including fractions, percents, and ratios; review and interpret highly technical information; speak persuasively to implement desired actions; analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Ability to conduct on-site inspections of and assist to food service facilities districtwide.
Ability to manage budget and personnel.
Ability to implement policy and procedures.
Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Drive.
Knowledge of safe food handling procedures and completion of KSDE’s and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA’s) food safety professional development requirements; eight hours of food safety training.
Clear and valid Kansas driver’s license.
Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.
Mental Demands/Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions
Ability to maintain emotional control while under stress and in stressful situations.
Ability to frequently work prolonged and irregular hours.
Ability to frequently sit for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to use standard office equipment including computer and peripherals for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to frequently use repetitive hand motions, including frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, push, pull, twist, or reach.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry items 40 lbs. or less.
Ability to frequently travel within the district.
Ability to work and concentrate in noisy and crowded environments.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions.
Timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist to supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and possible termination of cafeteria managers, supervisors, and support staff assigned to the child nutrition department.
Location
Seaman Unified School District 345, District Office – Topeka, Kansas
#J-18808-Ljbffr
May 1, 2026
Job Title:
Food Service Operational Manager
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Reports to:
Director of Child Nutrition
Term:
12 Month
Primary Purpose
To assist the Director of Child Nutrition Programs at Seaman USD 345 with the operation of the school nutrition services department and perform tasks related to the efficient operation of the food service office, on-site operations, and satellite schools.
Responsibilities
Assist to direct and manage the district's child nutrition programs in cooperation with the department director. Supervise and coordinate food service to provide nutritious meals and safeguard the health of students, staff, and visitors. Develop short- and long-term goals for the school food service department. Maintain integrity and accountability of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) through compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Create an atmosphere that enhances employee productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.
Implement organization techniques to accomplish job tasks with efficiency and maximum development of human resources.
Ensure CNP compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies. Keep accurate and timely records for the school district and Kansas State Department of Education/Child Nutrition & Wellness review.
Manage office operations for the Child Nutrition Department, including answering phones and emails related to any aspect of the food service program. Use professional discretion and follow confidentiality procedures in administering the program. Provide technical assistance and professional development for CNP personnel and other support staff.
Supervise and administer the approval and verification of applications for CNP benefits. Maintain confidential ongoing eligibility files and database for all direct certification records and Child Nutrition Benefit Issuance (free and reduced-price meal applications) as required by KSDE/CNW. Keep records current and notify school(s)/district of changes within confidentiality guidance. Send letters of approval and denial of Child Nutrition Benefits to parents and guardians as required. Update Point of Sale Food Service System and District Database with status changes in coordination with the District Technology Department.
Complete verification process and annual data reporting as required by KSDE/CNW.
Works with the Director to implement, train, maintain and troubleshoot all computer applications used in the department, including Point of Sale (POS) Software, Household Eligibility Management Software, Nutritional Analysis Software, and Online Menu Software. Complete compilation of meal counts for monthly claims for state and federal funding to KSDE/CNW and file online for final approval by the Director of Child Nutrition.
Assist with development of menus meeting established nutritional requirements for students. Maintain ingredient, recipe, and menu files in the current software program. Oversee department nutrition and allergen database.
Work cooperatively with the Director and Principals to create lunch schedules and resolve personnel issues. Assist with reviewing employment applications, interviews, and onboarding of all food service personnel. Coordinate daily substitute workers with the district manager. Assist to select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Assist as a substitute computer operator at any site with minimal notice.
Develop and maintain written procedures for all food service operations. Train others on safe and correct use of kitchen equipment.
Administer budget based on documented needs and ensure operations are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
Develop and implement a cost-effective and efficient food procurement and inventory system meeting federal and Kansas State Department of Education standards. Compare prices from vendors with bid documents, ensure proper billing from suppliers, process and requisition invoices with the Seaman Business Office, and maintain records necessary for auditing.
Evaluate informal and formal bids and recommend award of contracts for school board approval.
Implement inventory and stock control programs for food, equipment, and supplies and recommend replacement and disposal of obsolete equipment as necessary.
Maintain safety standards, preventive safety program, and compliance with federal, state, and insurance regulations.
Organize and conduct training programs to promote safe food handling and a safe work environment.
Coordinate with payroll to ensure employee time records and leave data are accurate. Maintain training records for food service personnel.
Complete annual continuing education requirements.
Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for food service department positions.
Develop training options and improvement plans to ensure exemplary operation.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience with an academic major in food and nutrition, dietetics, home and consumer sciences, food service management, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field.
Experience:
3 years in food service management.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of foods in food service environment.
Ability to perform basic math, including fractions, percents, and ratios; review and interpret highly technical information; speak persuasively to implement desired actions; analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Ability to conduct on-site inspections of and assist to food service facilities districtwide.
Ability to manage budget and personnel.
Ability to implement policy and procedures.
Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Drive.
Knowledge of safe food handling procedures and completion of KSDE’s and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA’s) food safety professional development requirements; eight hours of food safety training.
Clear and valid Kansas driver’s license.
Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.
Mental Demands/Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions
Ability to maintain emotional control while under stress and in stressful situations.
Ability to frequently work prolonged and irregular hours.
Ability to frequently sit for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to use standard office equipment including computer and peripherals for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to frequently use repetitive hand motions, including frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, push, pull, twist, or reach.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry items 40 lbs. or less.
Ability to frequently travel within the district.
Ability to work and concentrate in noisy and crowded environments.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions.
Timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist to supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and possible termination of cafeteria managers, supervisors, and support staff assigned to the child nutrition department.
Location
Seaman Unified School District 345, District Office – Topeka, Kansas
#J-18808-Ljbffr