Kitchen Manager, Woodland Cree First Nation Education Authority
Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Cadotte Lake School
Authority: Woodland Cree First Nation Education Authority (WCFNEA)
Reports To: Director of Education
Employment Type: Full-Time (based on school calendar)
Evaluation: Annual performance review by the School Principal and/or Director of Education
Position Overview
The Kitchen Manager is a full-time leadership role at Cadotte Lake School responsible for the safety, coordination, cleanliness, and effective operation of the school kitchen team. This includes oversight of healthy, fresh student meals, limited catering services, support for school Foods classes, and the integration of Indigenous food knowledge and programming. This position plays a critical role in creating a healthy school environment and advancing the principles of Comprehensive School Health (CSH) as adopted by the WCFNEA Board of Education.
The Kitchen Manager supervises full-time and casual kitchen staff and fosters a positive food culture that enhances student well-being, academic success, and cultural identity.
Key Responsibilities
1. Safe and Healthy Kitchen Operations
- Oversee the daily operation of the school kitchen in accordance with public health standards and safety protocols.
- Ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and regular inspections are completed and documented.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for food preparation, storage, and handling.
2. Leadership and Staff Supervision
- Train, supervise, and schedule all kitchen staff, including full-time and casual employees.
- Provide ongoing professional development related to food safety, cultural food practices, and student wellness.
- Support a team environment that reflects the values of respect, care, and cooperation.
3. Meal Program and Catering Services
- Manage school-wide nutrition programming, including breakfast, snack, and lunch service.
- Coordinate catering services for school and community events in collaboration with the Principal and WCFNEA leadership.
- Ensure all food services align with culturally respectful practices and nutritional guidelines.
4. Indigenous and Land-Based Food Programming
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge and traditional food systems into school kitchen practices.
- Support Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and land-based educators in preparing traditional foods for special programming.
- Foster a sense of food sovereignty and identity through culturally relevant meals and experiences.
5. Support for Educational Programming
- Collaborate with teaching staff to support Foods classes, providing space, materials, and guidance.
- Assist with land-based and life skills education through food-focused learning opportunities.
6. Inventory and Budget Management
- Order, store, and track food and supplies in a cost-effective and organized manner.
- Work with school administration to ensure budgeting aligns with school programming and WCFNEA financial guidelines.
7. Support of Comprehensive School Health (CSH)
The Kitchen Manager is expected to uphold the principles of Comprehensive School Health by:
- Promoting Healthy Eating: Ensuring meals served meet both nutritional standards and cultural expectations.
- Creating Supportive Environments: Designing the kitchen and meal spaces to be welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of students’ diverse needs.
- Engaging Teaching and Learning: Partnering with educators to connect food and nutrition to classroom learning and school-wide activities.
- Fostering Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local food providers, Elders, and health professionals to enhance food programs and promote wellness across the school community.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in kitchen management (preferably in a school or community-based setting).
- Valid Food Safety and Handling Certificate (mandatory).
- Demonstrated leadership skills in staff supervision and operations.
- Experience with traditional food preparation and/or Indigenous food knowledge is a strong asset.
- Familiarity with Comprehensive School Health models and wellness promotion is preferred.
- Ability to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends as needed.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong communication and team leadership skills.
- Knowledge of public health food regulations and safety procedures.
- Understanding of culturally safe food environments and trauma-informed practices.
- Capacity to plan, budget, and manage operations independently.
- Respect for Indigenous traditions, community relationships, and student well-being.
Terms of Employment
- This is a full-time, year-round position including summer duties.
- Includes paid vacation as outlined in HR Policy.
- Evening and weekend work may be required for special events and catering services.
- Compensation and benefits will be outlined in the employment contract in accordance with WCFNEA employment policies.
Evaluation
The Kitchen Manager will be evaluated annually based on performance indicators that include safety compliance, staff support and supervision, budgeting, program contributions, and alignment with the values of Comprehensive School Health and WCFNEA’s mission.
Pay: $40,523.24-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Housing allowance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- RRSP match
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
