Nutrition Manager bei Johnston Community School District

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Nutrition, the Nutrition Manager position is responsible for overseeing food production and service across district kitchens to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe, and appealing meals to students and staff. This position provides leadership, coaching and supervision for nutrition teams while ensuring compliance with state and federal food service regulations. The manager directs menu planning, recipe development, food safety practices, catering operations, and inventory management to support student well-being through nutrition.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Hospitality or related field
• Minimum of two years of experience in food service or nutrition involving quantity cooking
• Supervisory experience preferred
• ServSafe and School Nutrition Association Certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Production & Service

• Manage food production and service to ensure safe handling, proper preparation, and attractive presentation.
• Oversee the use of standardized recipes and quality standards before, during and after preparation.
• Review menus, daily guidelines, and catering requests to plan work and verify necessary food and materials.
• Adjust recipes as needed to control food waste and produce the desired quantity.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure a culture of food safety is implemented and maintained in all kitchens.
• Apply knowledge of state and federal regulations, sanitary codes, and district policies in daily operations.
• Manage and update Department Standard Operating Procedures Manual and Staff Guidelines
• Monitor facilities and staff practices to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation requirements.

Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to nutrition staff.
• Assign and delegate duties to staff and supervise completion of work.
• Post vacancies, review applications, and conduct interviews for school site staff.
• Support staff development through training on new menus, recipes, and best practices.

Menu & Recipe Development

• Research, develop, and write standardized recipes to align with student preferences and nutritional goals.
• Conduct trials and sampling to market new menu items to students.
• Test and refine recipes to improve cost efficiency and nutritional value.
• Train staff to implement new offerings consistently.

Inventory & Purchasing

• Manage food purchases and inventory levels to support menu needs.
• Develop cost saving strategies to maximize use of excess products.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure timely procurement of food and supplies.

Catering & Special Events

• Plan and oversee catering production for district events.
• Delegate catering tasks and coordinate delivery across multiple district sites.
• Assist with summer meals programs and community nutrition outreach programs.

Problem Solving & Operations Management

• Identify and evaluate issues related to staff performance, student satisfaction, and kitchen equipment.
• Schedule and supervise cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment. 
• Develop and implement plans for resolution to maintain smooth operations.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engages in professional development related to functions and responsibilities.
• Completes all required training.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of nutrition services operations, including menu planning, food preparation, sanitation, and safety standards
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and its safe use, including maintenance and proper handling procedures
• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with experience in staff training and evaluation
• Ability to maintain budgets, inventory and procurement processes.
• Ability to travel within district
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and administrators

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent standing and walking with moderate squatting, crouching, kneeling, bending
• Ability to carry and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel within the district
• Exposure to kitchen equipment, food products, extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Work is performed in school kitchens, offices and district facilities

CLASSIFICATION / STATUS:  Full Time / Exempt

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   230 days

DISTRICT STATEMENT

Johnston Community School District is an equal-opportunity affirmative-action employer. It is the policy of the District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, marital status in its employment and personnel practices. Johnston Community School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the Executive Director of Human Resources, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, 515-278-0470.