School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program

Hamilton County Department of Education

About the Role

Hamilton County Schools is seeking participants for the School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program, which combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction to prepare individuals for future management opportunities within School Nutrition. Participants will learn the standards of quality school food production and service in accordance with USDA, State of Tennessee, and local program guidelines. The program accepts two cohorts each year, with interviews in July and December. Selected participants will undergo an 8-12 week training program, including weekly classroom instruction and hands-on kitchen leadership experience, guided by an experienced Training Manager. Upon successful completion, trainees are eligible to apply for School Nutrition Manager vacancies.

Key Responsibilities (What You'll Learn)

Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, trainees will develop the knowledge and skills to manage a school nutrition operation, including:

• Leading a school nutrition team
• Planning daily food production using production records
• Managing ordering, inventory, and receiving in LINQ
• Operating point-of-sale and school nutrition software
• Applying USDA regulations and food safety requirements
• Building positive relationships with students, staff, and school administrators
• Developing budgeting, labor management, and forecasting skills
• Learning alongside an experienced School Nutrition Manager through one-on-one mentoring and hands-on training

Who We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:

• Dependable
• Team-oriented
• Positive attitude
• Adaptable and open to change
• Passionate about serving students
• Committed to learning and growing as a school nutrition professional

Program Benefits

• Weekends, evenings, and school breaks off
• Work schedule aligned with the school calendar
• Structured hands-on leadership training
• Weekly classroom instruction
• Experienced manager mentor
• Free employee meals during the workday

Requirements & Tech Stack

• LINQ
• Point-of-sale software
• School nutrition software

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• HS diploma or GED required
• Internal Applicants:
• A minimum of one year in a School Nutrition food service operation
• Including one month of experience as the primary meat cook
• And cashiering experience
• With a positive reference by the applicant's Cafeteria Manager

External Applicants:

• A minimum of 1 year in food service management
• With positive references
• A passing score on a basic math and reading comprehension test required

Additional Information:

• An applicant must complete the entire program to be eligible for a management position.
• Completion of the course does not guarantee a management position.