Director of Food Service

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.
  
  

Overview:

The Director of Food Service serves as Mesa Public Schools leader for all food and nutrition services, overseeing the planning, administration, implementation, and evaluation of district wide meal programs to ensure students receive safe, nutritious, and appealing meals in compliance with all federal, state, and district requirements. The Director of Food Service provides strategic direction for the vision, goals, and continuous improvement of the Food and Nutrition Services department while ensuring operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory compliance. The Director of Food Service leads and supports department personnel, oversees purchasing and warehousing operations, and collaborates with district leadership to align nutrition services with instructional priorities and student wellness goals. In support of Mesa Public Schools, the Director of Food Service is committed to advancing student health, service excellence, and alignment with the district’s strategic goals, vision, and promise.

Employment Type:

Director II, Full-time

Salary Range:

$97,301 - $126,491

Salary Procedures:

Years of administrative experience and education considered

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

Calendar:

Administrative Exempt, 12-month position

Reports To:

Chief Business Officer

Job Responsibilities:

• Develops and manages the school food and nutrition program
• Oversight of program financial sustainability, including cost controls, participation trends, and reimbursement optimization
• Establishes work performance standards and work schedules for food and nutrition department personnel
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations, including inspections, corrective actions, and staff certifications
• Provides and coordinates nutrition education opportunities for students, parents and staff
• Develops specifications and standards for purchasing of food, supplies and equipment and directs department purchasing in accordance with state and federal procurement guidelines
• Oversight of menu planning to ensure compliance with USDA nutrition standards
• Provides in-service training programs for personnel including use of technology systems for inventory, point of sale, reporting, and compliance
• Assists in the planning of new and remodeled cafeteria facilities
• Administers the operation of the food and nutrition warehouse
• Compiles data from a wide variety of sources to ensure compliance with various policies and procedures
• Responsible for evaluation, training, professional growth, succession planning, and workforce retention with Food Service
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nutrition management or related field; preferably in school nutrition
• Five years of experience in management, preferably in school nutrition
• Knowledge of federal child nutrition programs
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business, nutrition management or related field, preferably in school nutrition
• Ten years of experience in senior level management, preferably in school nutrition
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• Extensive knowledge of federal child nutrition programs
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description represent the knowledge, skill, abilities, and other characteristics necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KSAOs necessary for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Models the essential attitudes and skills of Mesa Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate work staff
• Proficiency in the use of technology and software systems related to food service operations, reporting, and communication including fluency in Microsoft, Google, Canvas, and related platforms
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality in leadership and decision making.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and timelines in a fast paced, dynamic environment while maintaining attention to detail and alignment with district priorities.
• Strong knowledge of federal child nutrition programs, including USDA regulations, reimbursement requirements, and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to organize, supervise, and support staff across multiple sites and operational functions
• Knowledge of business and financial management, including budgeting, cost control, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations, with the ability to implement and monitor district wide compliance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with district leadership, school administrators, staff, families, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operational demands in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and service quality.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to improve participation, efficiency, and program outcomes.
• Knowledge of warehousing, distribution, and logistics operations related to large scale food service programs.
  
  

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements::

• Primarily office-based with frequent district site visits.
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments.
• Fast-paced, high-stakes environment requiring adaptability and responsiveness.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands for typing and handling documents.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity for reading and computer work.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The district strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.