JOB SUMMARY

The Deputy Chief of Nutrition Services, reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to the district’s Nutrition Services Department. This role ensures the effective delivery of high-quality, compliant, and fiscally responsible school nutrition programs that support the health and academic success of students. The Deputy Chief collaborates with district leadership to align nutrition initiatives with the district's goals and objectives while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1. Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for Nutrition Services, aligned with the district’s mission and goals.
- Establish strategic plans to enhance student health, participation rates, and program sustainability.
- Collaborate with district leadership to support student wellness initiatives and integrate nutrition education into academic programs.
2. Operational Oversight:
- Oversee the daily operations of the Nutrition Services Department, including menu planning, food procurement, production, and distribution.
- Ensure compliance with USDA regulations, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) policies, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
- Manage quality control and food safety programs to guarantee consistent delivery of nutritious and appealing meals.
3. Financial Management:
- Develop and manage the Nutrition Services budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with district objectives.
- Monitor financial performance, including cost controls, revenue generation, and resource optimization.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and grant funding to support department initiatives.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4. Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate department staff to build a high-performing and engaged team.
- Provide professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in nutrition services.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and customer service within the department.
5. Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with principals, teachers, parents, and students to assess needs and improve program effectiveness.
- Represent the district in external meetings, conferences, and community events related to nutrition services.
- Respond to inquiries and concerns from internal and external stakeholders with professionalism and transparency.

6. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in school nutrition programs, food service management, or related areas, including supervisory experience.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Comprehensive knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs, including National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Proficiency in financial management and budget oversight.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in food service programs.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.