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Cafeteria Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waco ISD

Cafeteria Worker - Lead

Waco, TX · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Cafeteria Worker - Lead Wage/Hour Status: Non-exempt/At-Will Reports To: Cafeteria Manager Pay Grade/Days: 302/180 Dept./School: Child Nutrition Services Date Revised: April 2019 Primary Purpose: To ...

Somers Public Schools

Lead Cafeteria Manager

Somers, CT · On-site

$18/hr

SUPPORT STAFF/Cafeteria Workers Date Posted: 1/15/2026 Location: Mabelle Avery Middle School Date Available: ASAP Lead Cafeteria Manager - Mabelle B. Avery Middle School 4.5 hrs./day (10 months) To ...

Somers Public Schools

Lead Cafeteria Manager

Somers, CT · On-site

$18/hr

Lead Cafeteria Manager - Mabelle B. Avery Middle School 4.5 hrs./day (10 months) To start ASAP Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent; ServSafe Certification; 1 year professional food ...

Toms River Regional Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Substitute (Cafeteria Worker)/Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 8/21/2009 Location: Toms River Regional ... This opportunity could lead to permanent position. We are an equal opportunity employer. Come join ...

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How much do cafeteria lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria lead in the United States is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Cafeteria Leads?

Cafeteria Leads are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a cafeteria, including supervising staff, ensuring food safety and quality, managing inventory, and maintaining cleanliness standards. They coordinate meal preparation and service, handle scheduling, and address customer concerns. Cafeteria Leads play a key role in ensuring that meals are served efficiently and that all health and safety regulations are followed. This position often requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience in food service.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cafeteria Lead and how can they be managed?

A Cafeteria Lead often encounters challenges such as coordinating a diverse team, ensuring food safety compliance, and managing peak meal times efficiently. Effective communication and delegation are key to maintaining smooth operations, especially during busy periods. Staying updated with health regulations and fostering a supportive team environment can help address these challenges and ensure consistent service quality.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Lead vs Cafeteria Supervisor?

AspectCafeteria LeadCafeteria Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees daily cafeteria operations, manages staff, ensures food safety, and maintains service quality.Supervises cafeteria staff, enforces policies, handles scheduling, and ensures compliance with regulations.
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in food service preferred.High school diploma or equivalent; food service experience often required.
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeterias, fast-paced food service settings.School cafeterias, institutional food service environments.

The main difference is that a Cafeteria Lead typically focuses on daily operations and team management at a more hands-on level, while a Cafeteria Supervisor often has broader oversight responsibilities, including enforcing policies and staff scheduling. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Supervisor role may involve more administrative duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cafeteria Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Lead, you need experience in food service operations, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help in managing staff and ensuring efficient service. These abilities are crucial for maintaining a safe, compliant, and smoothly operating cafeteria that delivers quality customer service.
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Cafeteria Lead jobs near you
Cafeteria Team Lead

Cafeteria Team Lead

New Hanover County Schools

Wilmington, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Child Nutrition/Cafeteria Team Lead
Date Posted:
4/1/2026
Location:
Wilmington Early College High School
Date Available:
04/13/2026
TITLE: Cafeteria Team Lead
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High School degree or equivalent
2. Two years' cooking experience, preferably in child nutrition
3. Current ServSafe/NC Safe Plate Certificate
REPORTS TO: Cafeteria Team Manager
JOB GOAL: Performs a variety of routine kitchen tasks essential to the efficient operation of the Child Nutrition program for New Hanover County Schools.
Terms of Employment: Ten-month work year/At Will/FLSA Non-Exempt
Starting Salary and/or Grade: 55
Please click the link below for full job description.
Attachment(s):
  • CafeTeamLead2022.pdf

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