1

School Food Service Manager Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Food Service Program Manager Summary: Plans, organizes and coordinates all phases of food service operations, in accordance with federal policies and regulations. Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

Showing results 21-40

School Food Service Manager information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$11

$24

$42

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for school food service manager in Silver Spring, MD is $24.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How to become a school food service manager?

To become a school food service manager, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in food service or kitchen management. Many employers prefer candidates with food safety certifications such as ServSafe and strong organizational and leadership skills. Some positions may require postsecondary education or specialized training in nutrition or food service management.

What skills are needed to be a school food service manager?

A school food service manager needs strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to oversee meal preparation, staff management, and compliance with health regulations. Knowledge of food safety standards, budgeting, and inventory management is essential, along with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Certification in food safety may also be required or preferred.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Food Service jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of School Food Service jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching School Food Service Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for School Food Service Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for School Food Service Manager jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most School Food Service Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various School Food Service Manager job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,486 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

SY26/27 Cafeteria Manager II

Arlington Public Schools

Arlington, VA • On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Human Resources announces a vacancy for a 1.0 FTE Cafeteria Manager II.  This is a Grade C-08 position.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of GED and considerable institutional food service experience, some of which shall have been in a managerial capacity at the level of Food Service Manager II; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform all job responsibilities.  

Important Note: Must possess Arlington County Food Service Manager Certification. 

Experience

  • Good knowledge of the procedures, practices, operations and equipment of institutional food preparation; including knowledge of the safe operation of a variety of household and commercial food preparatory equipment. 
  • Ability to organize, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates. 
  • Ability to manage and participate in the storing and serving functions in a quantity cookery program, to promote the program, maintain food at required temperatures, and to operate cash registers, manage accounts, etc. 
  • Ability to work cooperatively with students, parents, school staff, coworkers, and vendors with courtesy, tact, patience, and consistency.
     

Responsibilities

The following may not include all duties required to perform:   

  • Plans and manages the receipt, storage, warming and serving of food delivered daily.
  • Works with central kitchen management to organize food and supplies deliveries, to resolve problems, and to obtain emergency supplies and assistance.
  • Plans cost-effective food service program, to include planning the ordering, inventory, portioning, and other aspects of assigned school food services operations.
  • Orders supplies via the central kitchen or directly from vendor for direct-delivery items such as dairy goods.
  • Supervises and manages food service, storage and cashiering operations.
  • Participates in internal and State Department of Health sanitation inspection.
  • Trains staff, assigns and inspects work, conducts performance evaluations, takes necessary disciplinary action, and maintains records of hours worked.
  • Works with school and community groups to organize and carry out food services for special events.
  • Represents school as needed with community and parents.
  • Maintains financial records.
  • Ability to manually move, shelve, stack, or raise from floor to table or serving area on, at times, a wet and slippery floor, heavy objects (pots, pans, trays, and food supplies) weighing up to 35 pounds; to stand for considerable periods.
  • Ability to work in areas which are often uncomfortable, warm, and noisy.
  • Must follow safety precautions to avoid injuries, minor cuts, bruises, burns, scalds. 
  • Duties may require exposure to extreme temperatures, hot kitchen the walk-in refrigerator and freezers. 
  • Performs related work as required or assigned.
     

Salary range based upon 26/27 SY Pay Plan.

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations - Equal Employment Opportunity - that "Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability."