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School Food Service Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High School Diploma * Minimum 1 year food service management experience * Minimum 2 years' experience working in food service industry. * Enter, transcribe, record, store or maintain information in ...

High School Diploma * Minimum 1 year food service management experience * Minimum 2 years' experience working in food service industry. * Enter, transcribe, record, store or maintain information in ...

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School Food Service Manager information

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

As of Jun 9, 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.

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.
More about School Food Service Manager jobs
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:
What states have the most School Food Service Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for School Food Service Manager jobs include:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,804 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
2026-2027 Food Service Manager

2026-2027 Food Service Manager

Petersburg City Public Schools

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$27K - $44K/mo

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Food Service Manager
Date Posted:
5/18/2026
Location:
Westview Early Childhood Education Center
Job Title: Food Service Manager
Salary Range: $27,971-$44,587
Supervisor: School Nutrition Program Administrator
Classification: Non-Exempt
Contract Length: 10 months 200 days
Job Summary
The Food Service Manager is responsible for performing complex semi-skilled and routine administrative work participating in and supervising food service activities in a cafeteria serving a student and adult population with a-la-carte or satellite program. The Food Service Manager is directly responsible to the School Nutrition Program Administrator.
Essential Duties
Plans, coordinates, assigns, oversees and participates as required in the preparation, cooking and serving of food.
Plans menus and ensures that foods are cooked in quantities according to menus, good dietary principles and number of persons to be served.
Orders food and supplies, receives and accounts for same, and maintains perpetual inventory as well as cost and food consumption records.
Inspects kitchen equipment, storeroom, foods and employees to maintain proper sanitation and operation.
Instructs other employees in the operation of equipment and use of utensils, and in the preparation, cooking and serving of food.
Oversees and coordinates the cleaning and maintenance of culinary utensils, equipment and working area.
Maintains income and expenditure records.
Collects, records and accounts for monies received from patrons.
Maintains records required by local, state and federal auditors and health inspectors.
Performs related duties as required including duties at special meal functions.
Job Specifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Some knowledge in food preparation in large quantities.
  • Demonstrated ability to count money, product, etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare and merchandise food and work safely with equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn the federal and/or nonfederal meal program requirements and regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with students, parents, staff, coworkers, vendors and the public with courtesy, tact, patience and consistency.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience: Must have at least 5 years' experience as a school food service worker and/or food service manager. Knowledge of school food service rules, regulations and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work is performed on school property. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to objects that are hot and cold. The employee is exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work area is moderate. Hazards may include working areas that are uncomfortable and warm. Duties may require exposure to extreme temperatures, hot kitchens and walk-in refrigerator and freezers. Must follow safety precautions to avoid injuries, minor cuts and bruises, burns and scalds.