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Watkinson School, an independent day school serving students in grades 6-PG, offering inventive teaching to Hartford and surrounding communities since 1881, seeks a full-time Dining Services Director. Applicants must possess enthusiasm for working in a dynamic environment, be a strong team player and possess a passion for food and for managing a kitchen that feeds almost 350 people every day. The Dining Services Director will report to the CFOO, be responsible for a team of food service professionals, a very active kitchen, providing breakfast and lunch each day and catering events on campus. This role carries responsibilities for both managing significant supplier partnerships and an employee team that, together, put healthy, delicious food at the center of a community where the kitchen is an important part of the culture of the School.

This position provides an ideal opportunity for a savvy food service manager with demonstrated experience and knowledge of food and meal planning and preparation, budgeting and expense management, contracting, and food safety. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of related work experience, preferably in a school environment

This position requires Serve-Safe Certification

The Dining Services Director will take on the following duties:

• Overall management of the food services operation, including, but not limited to: daily, on-time meal production with an eye towards customer satisfaction
• Menu planning featuring a wide variety of nutritious foods, representing ethnic, seasonal and cultural diversity and specialized diets, as well as adhering to the guidelines of the local Board of Health
• Communication and management, along with Watkinson’s health professional, of all student food allergies and ensuring healthy options available for all
• Scheduling all aspects of special functions, including menu documentation, event coordination, staff scheduling, and food preparation
• Responsibility for all personnel-related and supervisory functions of the Department, including, but not limited to staffing, scheduling and supervision, timekeeping, and maintenance of a safe working environment
• Facility sanitation while ensuring meeting and exceeding guidelines for local and State inspections
• Budgeting, invoice management, and reporting related to Dining Service operations
• Ordering food, non-food supplies, and necessary food service equipment and carefully managing inventory control

The Food Service Director will possess and utilize the following skills and dispositions:

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office and the Google Suite
• Willingness to work long and flexible hours—including evenings and weekends when needed
• A belief in and commitment to Watkinson’s mission and vision
• A sense of humor and enthusiasm for the work we do each day

Watkinson is an equal opportunity employer and an open and affirming community that seeks candidates of diverse backgrounds. This 10-month position will start in August 2023. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to diningservicesposition@watkinson.org. The position will remain open until it is filled.