Cook Manager

Reports To: Food Service Director /Principal/ Director of Finance and Operations

Job Summary:

The Cook Manager oversees the daily operation of the school cafeterias in multiple school locations, ensuring that nutritious, high-quality meals are prepared and served in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines. This role involves food preparation, staff supervision, menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining food safety standards to create a positive dining experience for students and staff.  This is an 11-month position covering the regular school year and summer program for the month of July. 

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Service:

• Prepare and cook meals that meet school nutrition standards and dietary guidelines.
• Ensure that food is prepared in a timely manner and served at the proper temperature.
• Maintain portion control to minimize waste and ensure compliance with nutritional requirements.
• Modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies when necessary.
• Coordinate with Principal and Teachers regarding off site field trips or special events, ensuring that bagged lunches are prepared prior to students leaving the building..  

Supervision & Staff Management:

• Supervise and train cafeteria staff in food preparation, safety, and sanitation procedures.
• Assign tasks and manage workflow to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Foster a positive work environment and ensure teamwork among kitchen staff.

Inventory & Budget Management:

• Order food and kitchen supplies while staying within the allocated budget.
• Monitor inventory levels and rotate stock to minimize waste.
• Keep accurate records of food usage, orders, and costs.
• Ensure compliance with federal meal program requirements (e.g., National School Lunch Program).

Health & Safety Compliance:

• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with health department regulations.
• Train staff on food handling procedures and enforce compliance with health codes.
• Conduct regular inspections of kitchen equipment and report any maintenance needs.

Communication & Customer Service:

• Work closely with school administrators, teachers, and parents to support students’ nutritional needs.
• Address concerns from students and staff regarding meal options and food quality.
• Promote healthy eating habits through menu planning and special programs.

Record keeping:

• Maintain student records for DESE compliance.
• Maintain daily meal counts, production records, sanitation reports and other necessary reports for administrative and procurement reviews.
• Other duties as assigned by Food Service Director /Principal/ Director of Finance and Operations

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary certification preferred.
• Experience in food service management, preferably in a school or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of USDA school nutrition regulations and meal program requirements.
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a team and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).

Work Environment:

• Requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in a hot kitchen environment.
• Must be comfortable working with special education students with moderate to severe disabilities and significantly challenging behaviors.

Employment contingent upon satisfactory CORI and fingerprinting.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  SEEM Collaborative is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.