CNS Administrator

Child Nutrition Services (CNS) Area Administrator

Supervises child nutrition programs in assigned schools within Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and provides internal operations support by managing specialized functions within CNS, including independent leadership to identify, coordinate, and execute program changes to improve the program. Monitors school dining operations to ensure daily compliance with local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and best practices for sanitation, safety, financial/resource management, and general program operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of basic principles of nutrition, quantity food production, and food service equipment;
• Extensive knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for child nutrition school-based and related field positions;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
• Excellent customer service skills;
• Effective time management and organizational skills;
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• Excellent leadership skills with considerable ability to foster teamwork;
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot Point of Sale systems;
• Ability to minimize errors with attention to detail;
• Ability to maintain proper records for accountability;
• Ability to complete tasks independently;
• Ability to design and deliver trainings and presentations to adults in both large and small group settings;
• Ability to assess program needs and develop short-term and long-term goals and plans;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff and parents/guardians.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in food management, business, or related field;
• Two years of experience in a food service supervisory role; OR
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Certification and License Requirements

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of NC requirements;
• Hold and maintain certification in food service sanitation or obtain certification within three months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist;
• Multi-unit management experience;
• Experience in K-12 nutrition program operations;
• Fundamental understanding of local, state, and federal regulations governing Child Nutrition Programs (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises child nutrition programs in designated schools, encompassing food production and service, purchasing, storage, inventory, facility management, sanitation, safety, and nutrition education.
• Monitors school dining operations daily for compliance with local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and best practices for sanitation, safety, financial/resource management, and general program operations.
• Evaluates and enhances the effectiveness of school nutrition operations by implementing processes that promote wholesome food production, efficient workflow, exceptional customer service, program growth, and optimal utilization of labor, food, equipment, materials, and financial resources.
• Conducts and oversees completion of various school observation reports, including annual compliance reviews, audits of cash handling, and inventory management practices.
• Organizes and maintains data and records as required by Federal, State, and Local regulations.
• Manages personnel, including supervision of employees, scheduling, interviewing, hiring/placement, training, performance management, and payroll processing.
• Assists with organizing, conducting and developing training of CNS training specialists, managers, and assistants
• Serves as the liaison between designated schools and CNS by managing personnel; Including cultivating and maintaining a professional relationship with Administrators in assigned schools.
• Manages one or more CNS central specialized program functions such as year-round summer feeding program, new construction/renovation planning, equipment evaluation/purchases, training, grants, dietary accommodations, menu planning, product sourcing/evaluation, technology support, marketing, and safety and sanitation or other functions to address the evolving needs of CNS. Provides support to other CNS staff, as required.
• Collaborates effectively with District personnel, school administrators, local wellness groups, PTA, community stakeholders, etc..
• Communicates with others in an honest, fair, and timely manner using sound judgment.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional office and school environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and food preparation equipment. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff and staff members of external agencies, and the community. Work is considered moderately heavy physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force. All employees are expected to request assistance, when needed, and work collaboratively. Must be able to work in an office and food preparation environment and come into direct contact with school system staff, students, external agencies, vendors, parents, and the community. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment as travel within Wake County is required.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/2026

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.