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School Kitchen Manager Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Officer

Jonesboro, LA · On-site

$19.86/hr

Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. * Ability to function ... Graduation from an accredited senior high school or equivalent or GED. * Wage-earning experience in ...

Welcome to Popeyes At Popeyes, our people are the soul of the Louisiana kitchen. As an Assistant ... High School Diploma or GED (2 years of college preferred) * 1-2 years of experience in a quick ...

Restaurant General Manager

Ruston, LA · On-site

$43K - $60K/yr

Lead the kitchen. Set the standard. Welcome to Popeyes At Popeyes, our people are the soul of the ... School Diploma or GED (2 years of college preferred) * 1-2 years of restaurant management ...

Line Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

... Work closely with kitchen managers and follow directives accurately. · Maintain a clean and ... Requirements · High school diploma or equivalent preferred. · Culinary certification or formal ...

Line Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

... with kitchen managers and follow directives accurately. • Maintain a clean and organized prep ... Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. • Culinary certification or formal ...

Department Manager

Arcadia, LA · On-site

$17.25 - $19.50/hr

The Kitchen Department Manager's responsibilities may include making sure the restaurant delivers ... School degree, college tuition assistance and English classes as a second language • Medical ...

Full Time Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

... school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: Must know and follow ...

Part Time Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

... school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: Must know and follow ...

Part Time Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

... school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: Must know and follow ...

Full Time Cook

Ruston, LA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

... school. Responsibilities of a Cook: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: Must know and follow ...

High school diploma required * Must be flexible to move to a store within a radius of 50 miles from ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

High school diploma required * Must be flexible to move to a store within a radius of 50 miles from ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

Dishwasher

Ruston, LA · On-site

$10.50 - $13.50/hr

... a manager. • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. • Previous dishwashing or restaurant experience is a plus ...

Dishwasher

Ruston, LA · On-site

$10.50 - $13.50/hr

We're looking for hardworking, detail-oriented team members who take pride in keeping our kitchen ... manager. · Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Requirements · High school ...

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School Kitchen Manager information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$18.2K

$41.7K

$60.5K

How much do school kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for school kitchen manager in Ruston, LA is $41,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $50,500.00 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 job categories do people searching School Kitchen Manager jobs in Ruston, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for School Kitchen Manager jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for School Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most School Kitchen Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various School Kitchen Manager job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$11.25 - $14/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide exceptional dining experience to guests by greeting them, serving food, and handling payments.

  • Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the store.

  • Work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, possibly at different positions such as front counter, drive-through, or kitchen.


Panda Express rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 738 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 107 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate

We’re looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and supportive work environment with team members who become friends. There’s always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don’t have experience, we’ll train you! You’ll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We’re all about giving back, so you’ll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative. Let’s work together.


Essential Functions for Kitchen Team Associates:

  • Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests – Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register
  • Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store
  • Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food
  • Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions – Front counter, Drive Through or Kitchen 
  • Work effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.


Qualification:

  • Friendly and helpful team members 
  • Operations experience is a plus
  • Some high school
  • Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements, acquired at your expense


How we reward you:**


  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates 
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.


**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.


ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.


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Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US