Job Summary
As a Variety FoodServices employee, you will be assigned to lead the food service team at Cole Academy, a public charter school serving students and families in the Grand Rapids community. Cole Academy is committed to providing a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
In this role, you will provide day-to-day leadership for the Variety FoodServices team, helping ensure meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and in accordance with school nutrition and food safety standards. While your daily work will take place at Cole Academy, you will be employed by Variety FoodServices.
Availability Required: Must be available to work between 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead and support the daily operations of the school food service team.
- Assign and coordinate daily tasks to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Assist with food preparation and serve lunch in designated service areas.
- Ensure all team members follow food safety, sanitation, and portion control standards.
- Be knowledgeable about menu items, ingredients, and meal service requirements.
- Monitor inventory throughout meal service and ensure products are restocked as needed.
- Maintain proper food temperatures (cold foods below 41°F and hot foods above 140°F).
- Keep kitchen and serving areas clean, organized, and sanitized at all times.
- Assist team members during busy service periods and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
- Receive food deliveries, verify products, and complete food check-in and temperature logs.
- Assist with dishwashing, pot and pan cleaning, and general kitchen cleanup.
- Sweep and mop work areas at the end of each shift and throughout service as needed.
- Ensure proper portion control and minimize food waste.
- Accurately record leftovers on delivery tickets and daily waste logs, ensuring food is properly stored, discarded, or returned to Variety FoodServices.
- Communicate operational concerns, inventory needs, and equipment issues to management in a timely manner.
Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and perform physical work for 6+ hours per day.
- Ability to lift and carry 20–25 pounds.
- Comfortable working in a school environment with children.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Previous food service experience required; supervisory or lead experience preferred.
Variety FoodServices is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.
