2024-2025 SY Assistant Director of Food Service (Anticipated) - Irving Independent School District

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assists the Executive Director of Student Nutrition and Extended School Programs to plan, implement, direct and promote the District’s child nutrition program that provides and meets regulatory and nutritional requirements, and satisfies all federal, state, and local regulations with a major focus on department personnel and operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university required, Major in Food and Nutrition, Institutional Food Service Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Business Administration or related field.
• RD/LD and/or SNS (School Nutrition Specialist) preferred
• ServSafe certification required within first year of hire

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of personnel functions including but not limited to recruiting, interviewing, hiring, disciplinary procedures, termination, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in personnel management, training, and team building.
• Ability to interpret, design and implement policies, procedures, and data.
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Five (5) years’ mid-to upper-level management experience in a food service environment preferred

MAJOR PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Assists in planning, organizing, implementing, and directing all areas and aspects of the District’s child nutrition program and Food & Nutrition Services Department operation

1. Communicates with District administrators and school staff, Food and Nutrition Services staff, customers and parents for the purpose of exchanging information, ensuring quality assurance, and resolving concerns related to the District’s child nutrition program and/or Food & Nutrition Services Department operation.

1. Directs and manages all personnel functions for the Food and Nutrition Services Department including recommending staffing plans, developing job descriptions, interviewing and overseeing job testing and performance evaluations. Liaisons with the Human Resources Department to recommend employment, reassignments and transfers and initiates guidance as needed for disciplinary actions and recommendations for termination.

1. Provides direct support, guidance, and direction to Food and Nutrition Service Supervisors and serves as a resource for their special assignments (Training and Professional Standards, HACCP and Food Safety, Catering/Café 183, Special Meal Programs (CACFP, SFSP, and SSO), and Technology).

1. Provides technical expertise, information and assistance to the Executive Director of Student Nutrition and Extended School Programs regarding all assigned functions and advises of unusual trends or problems and recommends appropriate corrective action.

1. Oversees orientation, training and staff development programs to ensure annual requirements for Professional Standards for all school nutrition professionals are achieved.

1. Plans, organizes, and assists in facilitating annual in-service meetings and training to ensure that department employees continuously improve their performance and stay current with relevant skills and knowledge in areas of food preparation, customer service, marketing, quality assurance, and food safety and sanitation and topics relative to district Annual Compliance requirements.

1. Coordinates and oversees a Manager Trainee program that is conducive to ensuring the future successful operation of all District school kitchens and cafeterias and encourages the growth and development of current managerial and supervisory staff through training and certification through TASN and SNA (state and national level professional associations, respectively).

1. Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, objectives and methods for Food & Nutrition Services Department programs, operations, and activities.

1. Assists with menu and school kitchen redesign efforts by attending local, state and food brokerage firm sponsored food/equipment shows, planning meetings and demonstrations and assisting with product and equipment bid evaluations and making recommendations.

1. Establishes and enforces standards of workplace safety through active participation in the District’s Loss Control Committee. Liaisons with the Risk Management Department to ensure compliance with policies and procedures relative to Workers’ Compensation (WC) and the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA).

1. Participates in professional organizations and associations and attends appropriate meetings.

1. Serves as the Director of Food & Nutrition Services in her absence and performs all other duties and tasks as assigned and assumes other responsibilities as needed or directed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly and indirectly, supervises employees and managers at thirty-four campuses and the Catering & Café 183 division of the Food & Nutrition Services Department.

Directly supervises a team of 5-6 Food & Nutrition Services Supervisors.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental/Emotional Demands: Ability to maintain emotional control, work with frequent interruptions, and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress. Ability to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Frequent in-district and occasional in-state travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, personal computer and peripherals, multi-line phone system, copier, fax machine.

Physical Demands: Prolonged sitting, standing, walking. Prolonged use of a computer with repetitive hand motions. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds; occasional stooping, bending, pushing, pulling.

Environmental Factors: Occasional exposure to outdoor climate – hot, humid, cold, wet, windy, etc.

Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improved and maintain workplace safety.

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The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is an in-person position. Work from home is not allowed unless approved by the Superintendent.