Lead Cook / Production Manager

Date Posted:  9-18-2025
Closing Date:  Open until filled
Schedule:  Monday – Friday: 8 hrs per day (6:30am-2:30pm) following the approved district calendar, 188 days per year including holidays  
Start Date: as soon as possible
Wage:  $19.85 - $21.95 per hour DOQ, Salary and benefits in accordance with Master Agreement for Food Service Employees

Position Overview & Responsibilities 

Responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen from the food production to staff support, while ensuring the MN State Department of Education, US Department of Agriculture, and school policies and procedures are being met. This position also develops and maintains cooperative, productive workplace relationships in a manner that creates a pleasant environment for those serving and those being served. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance of food safety and sanitation procedures, governmental regulations, and district policies. 

• Oversee daily preparation of nutritious meals, ensuring all food is cooked, held, and stored at the proper temperatures.

• Monitor students with special diets, preparing for student diet needs. 

• Provide one-on-one training for new employees and continuous training for all staff each year. 

• Ensure all cooks are thoroughly trained and able to determine the needs of the kitchen and place both food and supply orders as a backup when necessary. 

• Ensure staff issues are dealt with immediately and resolved privately and respectfully, escalating issues as needed to the Director of Food Service. 

• Perform annual staff evaluations in conjunction with the Food Service Director or Coordinator. 

• Manage time effectively between kitchen duties and office duties, delegating responsibilities to all other cooks as necessary.

• Complete all necessary paperwork including but not limited to production records, evaluations, order forms, temperature logs, accident reports, inventory and check requests. 

• Responsible for the communication of information to employees on a daily basis and through monthly kitchen meetings. 

• Responsible for opening and closing the kitchen each year and assisting with inventory and the year-end process as directed by supervisor.

• Attend meetings, workshops, and training sessions as directed by supervisor. 

• Performs various sanitation tasks such as washing dishes, pots and pans, serving counters and dining room tables. 

• Prepares and serves breakfast and lunch menus using portion control standards

• Assumes responsibility for receiving, storing, handling, preparing, and serving of food according to established standards

• Assures that sanitation and safety practices in all phases of the school food service operation meet established standards

• Promotes students and staff satisfaction by merchandising and serving meals in an attractive manner

• Communicates to the Food Service Director any observations about policies, procedures, or food service employees as needed.

• Participates in a professional growth plan.  Possesses and maintains qualifications, aptitude, and attitude for the position.

• Type the daily production sheets for each of the daily menus and shares them to all the lead cooks.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
   

Essential Functions & Skills:

This position requires an ability to work independently under the direction of the Director of Food Service and with several departments.  

• Ability to work effectively with administrators, students, staff, vendors and guests. 

• Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration and positivity within kitchen environment. 

• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.  

• Ability to follow written and verbal directions. 

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Strong organizational, task management, and time management skills. 

Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent (GED) with previous food service experience required. Must obtain a MN Food Protection Manager Certification within one year of hire date.  Previous supervisory experience preferred. 

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds. Must possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to work with a diverse group of people. Must have strong communication skills. Prior managerial experience preferred. 

For additional information or questions please call Food Service Director Heather Ehlke (507) 524-3918 ext.4282


NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Maple River School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Dan Anderson, Superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, Maple River School District, PO Box 515, Mapleton, MN 56065, (507) 524-3918 ext. 4223, danderson@isd2135.org; or Amy Anderson, Social Worker, Section 504 Coordinator, Maple River School District, PO Box 515, Mapleton, MN 56065, (507) 524-3918 ext. 4280, aanderson@isd2135.org; or Ted Simon, Principal, Alternate Title IX & 504 Coordinator, Maple River School District, PO Box 515, Mapleton, MN 56065, (507) 524-3918, ext. 4232, tsimon@isd2135.org.

FLSA Status:       Non Exempt