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School Kitchen Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Run the Heart of School Meals ? Become a Kitchen Manager!Are you ready to lead a team, run a kitchen, and feed hundreds of students every day? As a Kitchen Manager, you?ll take ownership of daily ...

Run the Heart of School Meals ? Become a Kitchen Manager!Are you ready to lead a team, run a kitchen, and feed hundreds of students every day? As a Kitchen Manager, you?ll take ownership of daily ...

Kitchen Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

High school diploma or GED required What We Give You None of us succeeds without all of us, and we mean that. * Kitchen Manager Base Salary: $65k-$75k * Bonus: Kitchen Management bonus plan offering ...

Kitchen Manager

Mount Juliet, TN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

High school diploma or GED required What We Give You None of us succeeds without all of us, and we mean that. * Kitchen Manager Base Salary: $65k-$75k * Bonus: Kitchen Management bonus plan offering ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the kitchen/back-of-the-house ... QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the kitchen/back-of-the-house ... QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the kitchen/back-of-the-house ... QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the kitchen/back-of-the-house ... QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the kitchen/back-of-the-house ... QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree ...

High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Some college preferred. * Three to five ... Kitchen Manager Physical Requirements (Reasonable Accommodations may be requested): Performs duties ...

Kitchen Manager

Springfield, TN · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Kitchen Manager Come be a part of the VERY FIRST Springfield, TN Chick-fil-A Team! We are looking ... High School Diploma required; Bachelors Degree preferred * Excellent Leadership Skills * Problem ...

Kitchen Manager Come be a part of the VERY FIRST Springfield, TN Chick-fil-A Team! We are looking ... High School Diploma required; Bachelors Degree preferred * Excellent Leadership Skills * Problem ...

Kitchen Manager The Kitchen Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the ... Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required, some college preferred * Minimum of two (2) ...

Kitchen Manager The Kitchen Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of the ... Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required, some college preferred * Minimum of two (2) ...

KITCHEN MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Kitchen Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the ... Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required, some college preferred * Minimum of two (2) ...

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School Kitchen Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$20.4K

$46.9K

$68.1K

How much do school kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for school kitchen manager in Tennessee is $46,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,400.00 and $56,700.00 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 Tennessee?

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

What are popular job titles related to School Kitchen Manager jobs in Tennessee?

For School Kitchen Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various School Kitchen Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,921 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

School Kitchen Support Staff

The Gardner School

Franklin, TN • On-site

$13.80 - $18.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


The Gardner School rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

We're Hiring! Join our team as a School Kitchen Support Staff position at The Gardner School of Franklin!

We have an exciting opportunity for a School Kitchen Support Staffposition working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Franklin, we believe learning begins with love - for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

Perks of Working with Us:

  • Competitive Pay: The pay range for this position is $13.80-$18.70, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance + other benefits to fit your unique needs
  • 401k Retirement Plan with Employer match
  • Childcare tuition discount for toddlers and up
  • PTO, plus your birthday and holidays off!
  • Competitive Wages
  • No late nights or weekends

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Confirm weekly menus with school director
  • Adhere to the school's budgetary needs
  • Maintain inventory and complete weekly food and supply orders
  • Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus
  • Ensure food is cooked and served at the correct temperature
  • Maintain a clean, sanitized and organized kitchen area
  • Dishwashing
  • Follow food state and federal safety, sanitation and nutrition guidelines
  • Perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Help in classrooms and other areas for short periods of time as needed
  • Regular and reliable attendance
  • Must have dietary allergy knowledge

What You'll Need to be Successful:

  • Strong knowledge of dietary allergies and food safety regulations.
  • Previous experience in food preparation and cooking, including large volume cooking.
  • Proficient in various cooking techniques and methods.
  • Experience with menu planning and meal preparation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Physical ability to bend, squat, lift up to 60 pounds, and stand or walk for extended periods.

What You'll Need to Qualify

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Current SafeServe certification, or willingness to obtain
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Must enjoy working with young children
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and guidelines

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.


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