General Manager- WSESU School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group - Brattleboro, VT

Full-time - Manager

Brattleboro, VT

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The General Manager for the WSESU School Nutrition program at Whitsons Culinary Group is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Food Nutrition Dining Program, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This role involves managing a team, maintaining food safety standards, budget management, and ensuring high-quality service to a student enrollment of 2,499 or less.

Responsibilities

• Maintain systems and procedures for ordering, receiving, storing, preparing, and serving food products.
• Manage the program within budgetary guidelines established by Whitsons.
• Motivate, train, and manage subordinate team members.
• Provide necessary tools for the team to perform satisfactorily.
• Maintain harmonious working relationships with team members in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure compliance with health regulations and prepare schools for inspections.
• Develop budgets and operational financial forecasts, explaining variances accurately.
• Ensure sanitation and safety levels are met and staff are adequately trained.
• Coordinate and supervise production, merchandising, quality control, labor management, and team training.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain team members using company systems and policies.
• Participate in wellness and nutrition committees and meetings.
• Spend 80% of the workday in schools observing and supporting the team.
• Conduct recurring inventory and maintain records to comply with standards.
• Control expenses such as food cost, labor cost, and operating expenses while providing exceptional customer service.
• Manage purchasing and utilization of government commodities.
• Prepare locations for internal QA audits using the 'Check Yes' tools.
• Execute marketing promotions according to the marketing calendar.
• Maintain an 80% or above score on the Whitsons Internal Audit and show improvement each year.
• Adhere to all company and district policies and ensure team understanding.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field.
• ServSafe certification and knowledge of local health and food safety ordinances.
• 3 years' experience in Food Service Management as a Manager/Director required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in K-12 programs required.
• Culinary background with a passion for food.
• Working knowledge of cooking procedures and recipe adherence.
• Demonstrated experience in developing talent and managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to resolve problems and improve programs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual Spanish is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer for minorities, women, protected veterans, and disabled individuals.