Catering Manager - Food & Nutrition 2025/2026 School Year

East Valley Academy - 855 W 8th Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Base Hourly:

$19.64

Class/Calendar:

B21, 10.25 months

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten -year maximum

New Hire Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To prepare food for and manage catering events and operate the adult service cafes.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Assist with the preparation of food for catering events and adult cafe sites on a daily basis
• Ensure smooth and efficient daily operations within the adult service cafes, including food and serving line presentation, customer service, cash handling, food quality, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Run the point of sale system for various locations
• Monitor quality and quantity of food being prepared and during service
• Market and promote the catering program
• Perform catering duties as assigned
• Provide catering program support to include the efficient and economic operation of kitchen, the accurate preparation of all reports and the maintenance of records including personnel and timekeeping records
• Monitor safety and sanitation procedures to ensure safe food
• Enforce District and Food and Nutrition policies
• Serve as a liaison between customers and Food & Nutrition
• Wash dishes and clean equipment
• Conduct inventories, site evaluations and self-inspection reports on a regular basis
• Attend designated meetings
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Coordinate special functions
• Order food and supply items
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

Education:

• High school education or equivalent
• Valid Arizona driver’s license with proof of insurance and provide own vehicle for travel
• Must have Maricopa County Food Service Worker card
• Must acquire Maricopa County Certified Food Service Manager card within three months

Experience:

• Experience and working knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Experience and working knowledge of food production, food ordering, service and commercial kitchen equipment
• Food service merchandising experience required

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Ability to attractively assemble food party trays
• Creative and service oriented with the ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal)
• Ability to setup and to serve buffet luncheons including table decorations and attractive food presentations
• Ability to work with and at a variety of kitchens and service areas on a daily basis
• Ability to effectively organize, to prioritize, to plan workload and to direct general cafeteria employees
• Available to work evenings and Saturdays as needed
• Self-starter with ability to complete assignments without direct supervision
• Ability to perform frequent reaching, stooping and lifting of up to fifty pounds
• Flexibility to change jobs and schedule as needed within the work day
• Willingness to serve in other areas as needed
• Professional, organized, detail-oriented and reliable

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Most of the work takes place in commercial kitchen settings within schools.
• Administrative tasks like menu planning, budgeting, and ordering supplies are done in an office or school district headquarters.
• May involve overseeing catering events, special functions, and district meetings.
• Must follow food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, and allergy awareness guidelines.
• Frequent movement around kitchens, cafeterias, and catering locations
• May need to lift food supplies, trays, or equipment weighing 25-50 pound

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.