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School Food Service Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do school food service manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for school food service manager in the United States is $23.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a school cafeteria manager?

To become a school cafeteria manager, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in food service, and knowledge of food safety regulations. Some positions may require food service certifications or food safety training, and strong organizational and leadership skills are essential for managing staff and operations.

What is the highest paying job in a school district?

In a school district, the highest paying job is typically the superintendent, who oversees district operations and sets policies. Other high-paying roles include district administrators and certain specialized positions like finance directors or curriculum directors, often requiring advanced degrees and leadership experience.

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

AspectSchool Food Service ManagerSchool Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, experience in food service managementBasic food handling and safety training
Work EnvironmentOversees entire food service operation, manages staffPrepares and serves food, assists with setup
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, staff supervision, budgetingFood preparation, serving students, cleaning

The School Food Service Manager typically has more responsibilities, including managing staff and planning menus, while the School Cafeteria Worker focuses on food preparation and service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but the manager's role involves oversight and coordination within the school food service environment.

What are some common challenges School Food Service Managers face in maintaining compliance with nutrition standards?

School Food Service Managers often encounter the challenge of balancing strict federal and state nutrition guidelines with students’ food preferences and budget constraints. They must ensure that menus meet all regulatory requirements while also being appealing and cost-effective. Additionally, managing food allergies, supply chain disruptions, and staff training on proper food handling are ongoing responsibilities that require strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Food Service Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Food Service Manager, you need expertise in nutrition, food safety, inventory management, and supervisory experience, often supported by a degree in food service management or a related field. Familiarity with menu planning software, USDA guidelines, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills help manage staff, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with regulations. These skills are crucial to provide safe, nutritious meals efficiently while meeting budgetary and health standards in a school environment.

What does a School Food Service Manager do?

A School Food Service Manager oversees the daily operations of a school's cafeteria or food service program. Their responsibilities include planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines, ordering and managing food inventory, supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food safety compliance, and managing the food service budget. They work to provide healthy, appealing meals to students while following federal and state regulations. Additionally, they may coordinate special dietary needs and handle administrative tasks related to food service.

What is the role of a food service manager?

A school food service manager oversees the planning, preparation, and serving of meals in a school setting. They manage staff, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and control food inventory and budgets. Strong organizational and leadership skills are essential for maintaining efficient food service operations.

What is the highest paying food service job?

The highest paying food service jobs are often executive chef or food service director roles, which can earn six-figure salaries, especially in large institutions or high-end establishments. These positions typically require extensive experience, culinary skills, and management expertise. In institutional settings like schools, senior management roles with additional responsibilities tend to have higher compensation.
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What cities are hiring for School Food Service Manager jobs? Cities with the most School Food Service Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Food Service jobs? The most popular types of School Food Service jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching School Food Service Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Food Service Manager jobs are:
Infographic showing various School Food Service Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,804 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

School Food Service Manager

DeSoto Parish School Board

Mansfield, LA • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

TITLE: Food Service Manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Successful completion of training designed to meet School Food Service Requirements.
  • A minimum of one year of successful school food service experience.
  • Ability to organize, direct, control and evaluate all phases of the school food service programs.
  • Knowledgeable of food production nutrition program accountability and equipment use and care.
  • Knowledge of personnel management and professional development.
  • Knowledge of financial management and recordkeeping.
  • Physically fit to perform duties.
  • Additional criteria as the Board may establish.

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of School Food Services

SUPERVISES: Food Service Technicians 

JOB GOALS: To prepare and serve nutritious meals to students in a sanitary and safe environment.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensures all meals served meet current nutritional standards and meal pattern requirements, including children with special-needs diets.
  • Assists in planning menus and developing standardized recipes.
  • Follows all federal, state and local school purchasing guidelines when requisitioning food and supplies.
  • Operates the CNP to ensure that proper receiving procedures and storage techniques are followed.
  • Implements the established system for preparing and maintaining records that reflect an accurate report of planned menus, food produced, and food discarded.
  • Ensures the CNP creditability through daily monitoring of food production procedures.
  • Ensures the proper use and care of all equipment.
  • Provides leadership to ensure school meals will be served in pleasant facilities and by a courteous staff.
  • Directs and trains personnel including substitutes and volunteer workers.
  • Manages the CP staff according to all federal, state, and local district employment laws, policies, and regulations.
  • Communicates effectively with both supervisor and other employees.
  • Implements organizational techniques to accomplish job tasks with efficiency and maximum development of CNP staff.
  • Provides an environment conducive to protecting the health and well-being of the school's children through high levels of sanitation standards.
  • Provides a safe environment for performance of work.
  • Cooperates with school officials and parents in working with child nutrition programs in schools.
  • Provides in-service training for employees.
  • Reports job-related injuries within 48 hours of work accident to the immediate supervisor.  "Job-related injuries" include, but are not limited to, any accident or illness, which involves loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, or medical treatment.
  • Completes at least 10 hours of continuing education/training provided by School Foodservice Department annually.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the proper authority.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS:

  • Collaborates and communicates effectively and respectfully with colleagues and the community to promote growth and to accomplish the district's mission.
  • Maintains regular attendance and punctuality and notifies appropriate personnel of absences and late arrivals in a prompt manner, as per district procedures.
  • Complies with all district rules and policies.
  • Ensures proper care of supplies, electronics/computers and other equipment.
  • Maintains his/her assigned area and its environment in a manner conducive to a professional working environment.
  • Participates in activities to improve professional competence, including those activities required by the board.
  • Oversees the maintenance of current records and reports as assigned.
  • Projects a well-groomed, professional appearance.
  • Accepts and implements assistance and resources designed to improve or enhance performance.
  • Contributes to achieving the district's mission and engages in self-reflection and growth opportunities.
  • Is courteous to faculty, staff and the public.
  • Recognizes and respects the rights and property of other employees and the public.
  • Exhibits professional and ethical conduct.
  • Exercises proper judgment and refrains from conduct which reduces or causes a loss of his/her effectiveness in the profession.
  • Adheres to all deadlines set by board policy.
  • Exhibits positive personal behavior and avoids improprieties or the appearance of improprieties.
  • Maintains confidentiality of all matters related to student and employee matters.
  • Reports job-related injuries within 48 hours of a work accident to the immediate supervisor.
  • Adheres to the DeSoto Parish School Board's Sexual Harassment Policy to be found at File: GAEAA.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Nine and One-Half Months

EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated at least once annually in accordance with Board policy.
FSLA:  Nonexempt