1

School Food Service Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Director

Augusta, GA · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Food Service Director Full-Time Positions Available. Apply Today! Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! We will provide sanitation certification if you are not ...

School Food Service Workers

NJ · On-site

$16/hr

  • PTO

School Food Service Workers Needed Come and work for a great Food Service Management Company in a rewarding position serving students nutritious meals in the Mount Olive, NJ area A great team ...

Food Service Director

Del Valle, TX · On-site

$58K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About This Position The Food Service Director plans, direct and coordinate the activities of ... High school diploma or Equivalent, and you must be at least 18 years of age. * Five years' of ...

Showing results 21-40

School Food Service Director information

See salary details

$32K

$66.6K

$110K

How much do school food service director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for school food service director in the United States is $66,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a school food service director do?

A School Food Service Director oversees the planning, preparation, and serving of meals in a school or school district. Their responsibilities include menu planning, ensuring meals meet nutritional and safety standards, managing staff, budgeting, and complying with federal and state regulations. They often work closely with administrators, parents, and students to promote healthy eating habits and ensure a positive dining experience for students. Additionally, they may coordinate special programs such as free or reduced-price meal plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school food service director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Food Service Director, you need expertise in nutrition, food safety, menu planning, and budget management, often supported by a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food service management. Familiarity with USDA regulations, food service software, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills enable effective team management and stakeholder collaboration. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and nutritious meal programs that meet regulatory standards and support student well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by school food service directors, and how can they be managed?

School Food Service Directors often face challenges such as meeting federal nutrition standards, managing tight budgets, and accommodating diverse dietary needs within the student body. Balancing cost-effectiveness while maintaining menu variety and nutritional quality requires careful planning and creativity. Effective communication with school administrators, kitchen staff, and vendors is essential to ensure smooth operations and compliance. Staying updated on regulations and fostering a collaborative team environment can help manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between School Food Service Director vs School Cafeteria Manager?

AspectSchool Food Service DirectorSchool Cafeteria Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire food service program, manages staff, plans menus, ensures complianceManages daily cafeteria operations, supervises staff, handles food prep and service
CredentialsOften requires a food service management certification or related experienceTypically requires high school diploma; experience in food service preferred
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office and multiple school sitesOn-site in school cafeteria
Industry UsageCommonly used in school district administrationUsed in individual school cafeterias

The School Food Service Director generally has broader responsibilities, overseeing multiple sites and managing staff and compliance at a district level. The School Cafeteria Manager focuses on daily operations within a single school. Both roles require food service experience, but the director position often requires additional certifications and leadership skills.

What cities are hiring for School Food Service Director jobs?

Cities with the most School Food Service Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of School Food Service jobs?

The most popular types of School Food Service jobs are:

What states have the most School Food Service Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for School Food Service Director jobs include:

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations to ensure that quality nutritional services are provided on a daily basis and that the culinary services are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner.

Food Service Director Essential Activities and Tasks 

Operations Management

• The Food Service Director (FSD) plans, develops, and directs the Culinary and Nutritional Services Department and its activities.

• Plans, develops, and directs the entire staff.

• Food Service Director (FSD) supervises and may assist in preparation of all products and meals so they are plate-able and appetizing in appearance by following planned menus and using the standard recipes.

• Ensures that stock levels of staple/non-staple food, supplies, equipment, etc. are maintained at adequate levels at all times through effective purchasing and inventory processes.

• Ensures that all residents’ nutritional needs are being met

• Food Service Director (FSD) coordinates services and activities with other departments (i.e. Nursing, Maintenance, Housekeeping, etc.).

• Plans and executes catering needs and special events.

Food Service DirectorCustomer Relations and Service Management

• Food Service Director (FSD) listens and responds to the needs of residents and staff members.

• Reviews and responed to complaints and grievances from residents and staff members regarding all areas of responsibility.

• Serves on various committees and attends meetings of the community providing written and/or oral reports of services and activities regarding the department.

• Maintains the confidentiality of resident care information.

Food Service Director Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Food Service Director (FSD) ensures that appropriate nutritional care for every resident is developed and carried through by ensuring new patient assessments, medical records charting, resident Plan of Care conference attendance, diet order auditing, and food intake monitoring take place.

• Maintains an ongoing quality assurance program for the Culinary and Nutritional Services Department.

• Ensures that culinary services work areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner

• Reviews, develops, and implements a plan of correction for culinary and nutritional services concerns and/or deficiencies noted during quality assurance and state and city survey inspections.

• Works with others on the development, implementation, and maintenance of emergency disaster programs (i.e. fire, severe weather, etc.).

 Food Service Director Financial/Assets Management, Administration, and Reporting

• Follows the departmental budget and maintains the operations within it.

• Ensures that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained and operable to perform necessary duties and services.

• Ensures that menus are maintained and filled in accordance with established policies and procedures. Utilizes available menu planning software.

• Maintains current and accurate records through use of computers and/or other documentation in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Food Service Director Human Resource Management and Development

• Directly and/or indirectly manages all Culinary and Nutritional Services Department staff.

• Experience in working with labor unions and contract compliance

• Interviews, selects and orients new direct reports.

• Defines, establishes and promotes performance expectations so direct reports understand and demonstrate excellence through high quality and consistent performance.

• Evaluates job performance of direct reports in accordance with the company policy and procedure and provide developmental guidance to staff for improved performance and growth.

• Documents and engages employees who are routinely not observing these requirements in an effort to achieve compliance. Works with Human Resources when circumstances arise that necessitate further documentation and intervention.

• Participates in the development, planning, scheduling, conducting, and monitoring of in-service training programs, on-the-job training, and orientation programs for departmental staff.

• Ensures that there is a reasonable and sufficient plan for staffing should a direct report be absent or a direct reporting position be vacant.

The Food Service Director (FSD) handles all other duties as assigned.