Budget Management, Budgeting, Coaching, Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Community Support, Continuous Improvement, Customer Support/Service, Decision Support, Dietary Management, Dietetics, Educational Administration, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Analysis, Financial Systems, Food Safety, Food Services, Inventory Management, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Menu Management, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Nutrition, Operational Audit, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Management, Performance Reviews, Procurement Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Regulatory Compliance, ServSafe Certification, State Laws and Regulations, Team Player, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States Department of Defense (DoD)
Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Cheshire Public Schools is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Food & Nutrition Services. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and continuous improvement of the Districts Food & Nutrition Services program, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while providing high-quality, nutritious meals to students.
The Director oversees all aspects of department operations, including program administration, budgeting, procurement, staffing, menu planning, food safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service. This position serves as a member of the Operations Team and works collaboratively with school administrators, district leadership, families, and community partners to support student health and wellness.
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Status: Exempt
Minimum Qualifications:
In accordance with the USDA Professional Standards for School Nutrition Program Directors (7 CFR §210.30), candidates must possess one of the following:
- Bachelors degree (or equivalent educational experience) with an academic major in Food and Nutrition, Food Service Management, Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition Education, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field; or
- Bachelors degree in any field and certification as a School Nutrition Specialist (SNS); or
- Bachelors degree in any field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in school nutrition programs; or
- Associates degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Dietetic Technology, or a closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in school nutrition programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential.
- School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential.
- Connecticut School Nutrition Association membership or active participation in professional organizations.
- Previous leadership experience directing a K-12 school nutrition program.
- Experience administering the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Snack Program, Summer Food Service Program, and other USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
- Experience developing and managing department budgets.
- Experience supervising, evaluating, and developing staff.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills.
- Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Knowledge of nutrition, menu planning, food procurement, inventory management, and food safety standards.
- Ability to develop and monitor departmental budgets and financial performance.
- Experience with staff scheduling, supervision, coaching, and performance management.
- Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, vendors, and community partners.
- Ability to analyze operational and financial data to support decision-making.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Experience with school nutrition software and financial systems is preferred, including systems such as Heartland Café Enterprise, DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS), WBSCM, CSDE Online Claiming, Processor Link, K-12 Processor, and Tyler MUNIS or comparable systems.
Certifications:
- ServSafe Manager Certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
- Must satisfy all Connecticut employment requirements, including successful completion of required background checks.
Application Requirements:
Interested applicants should submit:
To Apply and view full posting please visit www.applitrack.com/cheshire/onlineapp