The Goddard School of Kingstowne | Alexandria, VA
Job Overview
The Goddard School of Alexandria is seeking a dependable, organized, and detail-oriented Food Service Manager to join our team!
Our Food Service Manager plays an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized kitchen while ensuring that meals and snacks are prepared, handled, and delivered to classrooms in a timely manner.
This position combines the responsibilities of a Food Preparation/Cook and Sanitation Specialist. The ideal candidate is someone who takes pride in cleanliness, understands the importance of food safety, works efficiently, and enjoys contributing to a positive environment for young children.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Meal Service
- Prepare and distribute morning and afternoon snacks to classrooms daily.
- Receive and organize lunches brought from home, ensuring they are properly stored in the refrigerator.
- Prepare and organize labels for catered lunches provided by Jeffery's Catering.
- Receive catered lunches, check and document food temperatures, and distribute meals to the appropriate classrooms.
- Warm and distribute lunches brought from home as needed.
- Monitor and document refrigerator temperatures daily.
- Ensure meals and snacks are delivered accurately and on schedule.
- Maintain an ongoing inventory of kitchen supplies, food items, and snacks.
- Provide the Program Director with a list of needed food and kitchen supplies at least every other week to facilitate ordering.
Kitchen Organization & Food Safety
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen throughout the day.
- Regularly clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, countertops, and serving carts.
- Ensure the pantry is properly stocked, organized, and maintained in accordance with food storage guidelines, including keeping all food items off the floor.
- Clean and sanitize lunch containers daily.
- Maintain refrigerator cleanliness, promptly addressing spills and other sanitation concerns.
- Remove and discard staff food left in the refrigerator at the end of each week, in accordance with school procedures.
- Follow established food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to maintain a safe environment.
Sanitation & Cleaning Responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain the three-compartment sink system for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes.
- Clean and sanitize dish-drying racks.
- Prepare and distribute approved cleaning and sanitizing solutions to classrooms according to school procedures.
- Ensure classroom bottle bins are emptied and cleaned daily.
- Wash, rinse, and sanitize all dishes and utensils used for morning and afternoon snacks.
- Empty, clean, and sanitize kitchen sinks at the end of each day.
- Maintain a consistently clean and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with school policies and applicable health and safety regulations.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Previous experience in food service, kitchen operations, school food programs, or a similar role preferred.
- Knowledge of basic food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and follow a daily schedule.
- Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with school management and classroom teachers.
- Comfortable working in a preschool environment around young children.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform routine kitchen cleaning, lifting, and food preparation tasks.
- Willingness to complete any required food safety training and school-specific training.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is:
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Reliable: Arrives on time and consistently completes daily responsibilities.
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Organized: Maintains an orderly kitchen, tracks supplies, and manages meal schedules efficiently.
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Detail-Oriented: Pays close attention to food temperatures, sanitation procedures, and meal distribution.
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Proactive: Identifies needs, maintains cleanliness, and takes initiative without constant supervision.
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A Team Player: Communicates professionally with teachers and management to support smooth daily operations.
Why Join The Goddard School?
At The Goddard School, we believe that every team member plays an important role in creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for children. Our Food Service Manager contributes directly to the health, safety, and well-being of the children in our care.
If you are dependable, hardworking, and passionate about maintaining a clean and organized food service environment, we encourage you to apply!
Apply today to become part of our Goddard School family!
