POSITION TITLE: Catering Chef/Training Manager REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Food Services

OVER-TIME STATUS: EXEMPT PAY GRADE: 219

Job Summary

Portsmouth Public Schools is seeking an experienced and dynamic Catering Chef/Training Supervisor to lead all district catering operations while overseeing the training and development of School Nutrition staff across multiple school sites.

This leadership role ensures high quality food production, event execution, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency throughout the division. The ideal candidate is a strong culinary professional with institutional food service experience who is equally skilled in staff development and operational oversight.

Essential Responsibilities

District Catering Leadership

Plan, schedule, and staff all district special functions and catered events
Oversee catering operations from planning through service and breakdown, both on site and remotely
Coordinate event setup, service flow, and logistics to ensure professional execution
Serve as the point of escalation for operational issues and customer concerns
Monitor food quality, presentation, timelines and service standards
Confirm event completion and communicate outcomes, feedback, and product usage
Maintain detailed catering records, documentation, and reports

Menu Planning & Ordering Oversight

Develop and approve catering menus aligned with customer needs and program standards
Coordinate ordering of food, supplies, and event materials
Verify product availability prior to scheduled events
Communicate menus, dietary modifications, and event details to Food Service Managers and kitchen teams

Food Production & Quality Assurance

Ensure catering items are prepared according to approved menus and established quality standards
Oversee kitchen coordination to meet production timelines
Direct preparation of attractive, healthy school meals and catered events
Maintain professional standards of conduct and appearance during events

Training, Supervision & Staff Development

Supervise food service field operations and assigned personnel
Conduct new employee orientation and support onboarding
Plan and deliver in-service training programs
Train and mentor managers and staff in food production, catering execution, sanitation, equipment operation, and HACCP compliance
Assess training needs and maintain documentation of professional development
Serve as supervisor at each level (1 each : PreK, Elementary, Middle, and High School) to promote consistency and training models for all school demographics

Compliance & Operational Oversight

Inspect kitchens, storage areas, and equipment to ensure food safety and sanitation compliance
Monitor adherence to USDA, VDOE, HACCP, and district policies
Establish and maintain operational and sanitation standards
Analyze production records to improve forecasting and efficiency
Assist with modified menus for students with dietary needs in collaboration with nursing staff
Support special events, student engagement activities, and nutrition marketing initiatives
Carry a work-issued cell phone and respond to operational needs as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum five (5) years of quantity food preparation experience as a chef or food production supervisor
Institutional or school nutrition experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience in staff supervision and training
Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP standards, and large-scale food production
Knowledge of menu design, recipe development, and forecasting techniques
Ability to develop and implement operational and training procedures
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, email, and menu planning software
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods in commercial kitchen environments
Ability to lift and move food supplies and equipment Ability to travel between school sites and event locations as required

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

All applicants please submit an on-line application along with copies of supporting credentials. Be sure to connect your application to the advertised position.

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Catering Chef/Training Supervisor