Food Service Director
Location: Columbus, NE
Salary: $70, 000/year
Schedule: Full-Time | Day Shift
Lead a Program That Feeds Students and Shapes Success
Are you a proven leader with experience in food service operations, team development and customer relations? We're seeking a Food Service Director to oversee a large-scale school nutrition program serving thousands of students. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team, drive operational excellence, build strong district partnerships and make a meaningful impact on students every day.
If you're passionate about leadership, food service, safety and delivering exceptional customer experiences, we want to hear from you.
What You'll DoOperations & Food Service Leadership
Oversee the day-to-day management of school food service operations
Ensure food quality, portion control and recipe compliance
Maintain compliance with USDA, HACCP, OSHA and company standards
Monitor inventory levels and oversee monthly inventory counts
Promote a strong culture of food safety and workplace safety
Train team members on food preparation, equipment operation and sanitation procedures
Ensure kitchen operations run efficiently and effectively
Strategic Planning & Financial Management
Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement
Monitor key performance indicators, labor costs, food costs and gross margins
Assist with annual budgets, objectives and operational strategies
Plan menu promotions and support marketing initiatives
Support contract renewals, compliance reviews and proposal processes
Identify opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction and program performance
Leadership & Team Development
Recruit, hire, onboard, train and develop team members
Manage staffing levels, schedules, payroll approvals and performance management
Foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture
Provide coaching, mentorship and professional development opportunities
Ensure team members complete required training and certifications
Promote open communication and accountability throughout the operation
Customer & District Relations
Build strong partnerships with school administrators and district leadership
Meet regularly with district representatives to review program performance
Support administrative reviews and compliance processes
Attend meetings and presentations as needed
Continuously seek feedback to improve student and customer satisfaction
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
Experience managing food service, hospitality, school nutrition or large-scale food operations
Strong leadership and team development skills
Experience with food safety, sanitation and workplace safety programs
Ability to understand and manage budgets, financial reports, KPIs and operational metrics
Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and make sound business decisions
Valid driver's license with insurable driving record
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing school nutrition programs
Experience with USDA compliance requirements
SERVSafe Certification or ability to obtain within 30 days
Experience with payroll, HR processes and staff scheduling
Knowledge of inventory management and purchasing
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
Competitive salary
Leadership role with significant impact
Opportunity to develop and lead a large team
Meaningful work serving students and the community
Professional growth and development opportunities
Collaborative and mission-driven culture
Strong work-life balance philosophy
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
Ability to lift up to 55 pounds occasionally
Ability to work in kitchen environments with varying temperatures
Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, kneeling, reaching and lifting
Ability to utilize food service equipment and technology systems
Our Core Values
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
Apply Now!
This is an opportunity to lead a program that positively impacts students, schools and communities every day. If you're ready to bring your leadership, operational expertise and passion for service to a rewarding career, apply now and take the next step in your professional journey.
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