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School Kitchen Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lunchtime Solutions

Kitchen Manager

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

On-site at Storm Lake Community School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:30am-2pm Lunchtime Solutions is looking for a motivated, organized Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations and ...

Pizza Ranch

Kitchen Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

Pizza Ranch

Kitchen Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

Pizza Ranch - Bettendorf

Kitchen Manager

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

Pizza Ranch - Cedar Falls

Kitchen Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Manager

Avoca, IA · On-site

Position Summary The Kitchen Manager is responsible for directing the day-to-day operation of the ... Demonstrate and promote Opaa's Core Values of "Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Manager

Clarinda, IA · On-site

Position Summary The Kitchen Manager is responsible for directing the day-to-day operation of the ... Demonstrate and promote Opaa's Core Values of "Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Manager

Garner, IA · On-site

Position Summary The Kitchen Manager is responsible for directing the day-to-day operation of the ... Demonstrate and promote Opaa's Core Values of "Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools ...

Pizza Ranch

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$49K - $62K/yr

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

Pizza Ranch

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$49K - $62K/yr

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

Pizza Ranch

Kitchen Manager

Denison, IA · On-site

As a Kitchen Manager, you will be challenged to lead a team to give every guest a legendary ... High school diploma or GED * Restaurant experience required * Restaurant management experience ...

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Sioux City, IA

What you'll doA Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... High School Diploma or GED. * Must be 18 years of age. * Must be able to pass criminal background ...

Paymaster PR

Kitchen Manager

Denison, IA · On-site

As a Kitchen Manager, you will be challenged to lead a team to give every guest a legendary ... High school diploma or GED * Restaurant experience required * Restaurant management experience ...

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

Why Wendy's A Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... High School Diploma or GED. * Must be 18 years of age. * Must be able to pass criminal background ...

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

What you'll doA Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... High School Diploma or GED. * Must be 18 years of age. * Must be able to pass criminal background ...

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

Why Wendy's A Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... High School Diploma or GED. * Must be 18 years of age. * Must be able to pass criminal background ...

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Fort Dodge, IA

What you'll doA Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... High School Diploma or GED. * Must be 18 years of age. * Must be able to pass criminal background ...

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

What you'll doA Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... High School Diploma or GED. * Must be 18 years of age. * Must be able to pass criminal background ...

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All JobsSchool Kitchen JobsSchool Kitchen Manager JobsSchool Kitchen Manager Jobs in Iowa

School Kitchen Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$21.1K

$48.6K

$70.4K

How much do school kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for school kitchen manager in Iowa is $48,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by school kitchen managers, and how can they be addressed?

School Kitchen Managers often face challenges such as balancing nutritional guidelines with budget constraints, managing staff schedules, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. To address these challenges, it’s important to stay updated on state and federal nutrition requirements, foster open communication with staff, and implement efficient inventory and ordering systems. Building strong relationships with suppliers and school administration can also help streamline processes and support a smooth kitchen operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school kitchen manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Manager, you need expertise in food safety, nutrition guidelines, menu planning, and staff supervision, often supported by a food handler's certification or relevant culinary education. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and compliance with state and federal meal program regulations is crucial. Leadership, organization, and strong communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and ensuring efficient kitchen operations. These skills ensure safe, nutritious meals are provided to students while maintaining regulatory compliance and a well-functioning kitchen environment.

What is the difference between School Kitchen Manager vs School Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSchool Kitchen ManagerSchool Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, sometimes managerial trainingBasic food handler certification
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares and serves food, assists in food service
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, inventory, staff supervisionFood preparation, serving students

The School Kitchen Manager typically has more responsibilities, including managing staff and overseeing operations, while the School Cafeteria Worker focuses on food preparation and service. Both roles require food safety certifications, but the manager's role involves leadership and planning, making it a more supervisory position within the school food service environment.

How much do school kitchen managers earn?

School kitchen managers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and school district size. They often oversee food preparation, staff, and compliance with health regulations, requiring skills in food service and management. Salaries can vary based on certifications and the complexity of the school’s food program.

What does a school kitchen manager do?

A school kitchen manager oversees the daily operations of the school cafeteria, including food preparation, inventory management, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. They supervise staff, plan menus, and maintain a clean, efficient kitchen environment to provide nutritious meals to students.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Kitchen jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching School Kitchen Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for School Kitchen Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for School Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most School Kitchen Manager job openings:

School Kitchen Manager jobs near you

Kitchen Manager

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Storm Lake, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Lunchtime Solutions rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Kitchen Manager – Lunchtime Solutions
Location: On-site at Storm Lake Community School District
Schedule: Monday–Friday 6:30am-2pm
Lunchtime Solutions is looking for a motivated, organized Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations and support a positive, efficient meal program for students and staff. If you enjoy leading a team, preparing great food, and keeping a kitchen running smoothly, this role is a fantastic fit.
The Kitchen Manager oversees daily kitchen operations, including food production, inventory, ordering, safety, and team coordination. This role ensures meals are prepared on time, meet quality standards, and follow all food‑safety and nutritional guidelines. It’s a hands‑on leadership position that keeps the kitchen organized, efficient, and running at its best.
What You’ll Do
  • Lead daily food production by preparing meals, following recipes, ensuring serving‑time readiness, and supporting special diets and catering needs.
  • Keep the kitchen organized and compliant by maintaining clean work areas, overseeing storage organization using FIFO, completing HACCP logs, production records, inventories, and monitoring participation trends and gross‑margin controls.
  • Champion food safety by monitoring safe practices, coaching team members, and ensuring HACCP, HAZCOM, and safety checklists are completed and followed.
  • Provide daily leadership by acting as the point of contact in the kitchen, helping troubleshoot issues, reinforcing policies, and supporting team communication.
  • Manage inventory and ordering by placing food and supply orders, adjusting menus when needed, and maintaining prep lists and freezer pulls.
  • Support and develop the team by training staff, coaching as needed, and filling in across district kitchens when required.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, school staff, and customers, sharing feedback, needs, and operational updates.
What You Bring
  • HS Diploma or GED preferred
  • 1+ year of food service experience in a supervisory role preferred
  • ServSafe certification or willingness to complete
  • Valid Drivers license and insurable driving record
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, follow procedures, and maintain food‑safety standards
  • Comfort using computer systems like: Microsoft Office, POS systems, and food‑service software
  • Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and convert quantities for large batches.
  • Dependability, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, bending, twisting, and other physical tasks.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
  • Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday–Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent in a kitchen.
  • Follow the school-year rhythm work when school is in session and enjoy built‑in breaks when students are out.
  • Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
  • Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
  • Eat well enjoy a free, delicious meal every shift.
  • Stay supported with a limited medical benefit plan available for those scheduled 5 hours or more everyday
Our Values
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success comes from team members who:
  • Take pride in what you do
  • Focus on customer success
  • Be a person of integrity
  • Drive to improve
  • Do it with passion
  • Express gratitude
  • Work as a team
  • Pursue lasting partnerships
  • Embrace a healthy work-life balance
If these values resonate with you, we’d love to meet you!
Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position.
Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet. View Policy

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