Director of Food Service
Director of Food Service
Durand-Arkansaw School District
The Durand-Arkansaw School District is seeking a collaborative, organized, and student-centered professional to serve as our Director of Food Service. This leadership position oversees the district’s comprehensive school nutrition program, ensuring students and staff receive safe, nutritious, and appealing meals while maintaining strong operational, financial, and regulatory standards.
The Food Service Director plays an important role in supporting student well-being, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the district’s food service operations.
Position Details
Position: Director of Food Service
Reports To: District Administrator
Schedule: Full-time, approximately 8 hours per day
Contract: 215-day contract
Compensation: Salary and work schedule established by the Durand-Arkansaw School District Board of Education
Primary Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Operations
Plan, organize, and oversee all district food service operations including meal production, service delivery, sanitation, and equipment maintenance.
Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, safety, and customer service.
Develop consistent operating procedures and expectations across kitchens and service locations.
Monitor daily operations to ensure staffing coverage, production efficiency, and service quality.
Collaborate with building administrators to align service schedules and operational needs.
Nutrition & Menu Development
Develop nutritionally balanced menus aligned with USDA meal pattern requirements.
Incorporate student input, seasonal planning, and local foods when feasible.
Monitor participation trends and refine menu offerings to encourage student participation.
Support nutrition education and healthy eating initiatives across the district.
Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety
Ensure compliance with all USDA and Wisconsin DPI regulations, including:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Smart Snacks standards
- Maintain required records, food safety documentation, and HACCP plans.
- Prepare for administrative reviews, health inspections, and audits.
- Lead food safety training and certification for food service staff.
Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual food service budget.
Monitor program financial performance and implement cost-control strategies.
Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory systems.
Prepare financial reports and program updates for district leadership and the Board of Education.
Personnel Leadership
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate food service staff.
Develop work schedules and assign duties across district kitchens.
Foster a positive, collaborative, service-oriented team culture.
Provide professional development and ongoing support to staff.
Facilities, Data & Continuous Improvement
Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and replacement planning.
Collaborate with facilities staff on repairs and capital planning.
Analyze participation, financial, and operational data.
Implement strategies to enhance service quality, participation, and fiscal sustainability.
Required Qualifications
- Post-secondary degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Food service management experience, preferably in a school, healthcare, or institutional setting.
- Knowledge of USDA school nutrition regulations and food safety standards.
- Strong budgeting, financial management, and analytical skills.
- Leadership and staff supervision experience.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain required food safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe).
Preferred Qualifications
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) or School Nutrition Credential.
- Prior experience managing a school nutrition program.
- Experience with school nutrition software systems.
- Grant management or reimbursement optimization experience.
- Experience leading operational improvement initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to analyze operational and financial data.
- Commitment to student-centered service and continuous improvement.
- Strong technology and data management skills.
Work Environment
This position requires regular standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 40 lbs.) in kitchen environments and food preparation areas.
Durand-Arkansaw School District staff serve as positive role models for students, demonstrating professionalism, respect, and a commitment to helping students grow as responsible citizens.
Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.