Posted: Dec 11, 2025

Dietitian/Menu Planner

Spring Branch ISD - Houston, TX
Full-time
Application Deadline: N/A
Child Nutrition
Spring Branch Independent School District
Job Description
Dietitian/Menu Planner, School Nutrition Services (Food Services Fund)
 
Job Title: Dietitian/Menu Planner, School Nutrition Services (Food Services Fund)
Reports To: Director, School Nutrition Services
Classification: Professional
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Days: 230
Salary: See Compensation Plan for Administrative/Professional Pay Plan, Pay Grade 
Contract: None
Date Revised: 11/3/2025
Primary Purpose: The Dietitian/Menu Planner is responsible for leading the design, compliance, and continuous improvement of menus offered across all district meal programs. This role takes a strategic and organized approach to menu planning and nutrition management, ensuring all menus meet or exceed federal and state standards for programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The position balances nutrition standards, student engagement, and financial sustainability across operations, requiring strong attention to detail, data informed decision making, with the ability to organize complex systems while supporting a culture of teamwork and service excellence.
Qualifications/Skills: Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor's degree in Foods and Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field.
  • Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian or eligible for Registered Dietitian preferred.
  • Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preferred.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
  • Ability to deliver high-quality customer experiences aligned with SBISD School Nutrition Services’ brand and service standards.
  • Knowledge of USDA and TDA menu planning policies, meal pattern requirements, and compliance processes.
  • Expertise in recipe standardization, development, and testing.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills..
  • Proficiency in the ability to use and learn specialized menu management and nutrient analysis systems.
  • Strong ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively with staff and district partners.
  • Ability to lead innovation, set goals, and support menu marketing and promotion initiatives.
Experience:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of food service supervisory experience preferred.
  • Experience in school nutrition menu planning or institutional food service preferred.
Major Duties and
Responsibilities:		 Operations:
  • Provide leadership to the nutrition services team of Chef/Culinary Training Supervisor, and the Marketing and Nutrition Specialist in support of menu execution and student engagement
  • Plan and evaluate menus that meet USDA/TDA meal pattern and nutrient requirements, support fiscal responsibility, and reflect student preferences
  • Leads menu planning, recipe management, and nutrient analysis using the district’s menu management software
  • Analyzes data, conducts internal audits and monitors district compliance with USDA requirements for school meal programs
  • Manages USDA Foods forecasting, ordering, and processing utilization to optimize menu cost and inventory
  • Maintains approved vendor lists and develops order guides aligned with current menus and product specifications.
  • Coordinate closely with school nursing staff to monitor allergy needs of students and make individual menu adjustments as necessary.
  • Participates in SHAC meetings and supports district wellness initiatives
  • Evaluate new products and continually seek innovations and ways of improvement.
  • Oversee the planning and promotion of nutrition education events, tasting showcases, and community wellness initiatives led by the Marketing & Nutrition Specialist
  • Serve as an active member of the School Nutrition Services Leadership Team in developing and implementing departmental goals and performance strategies.
  • Coordinate ordering, procurement, inventory, and receiving.
  • Analyze menus for adherence to U.S. Dietary Guidelines with nutrition software program.
  • Develop food production records in accordance with USDA and TDA guidelines.
  • Collaborates with Buyer Supervisor with the development and evaluation of all SNS procurement activities in accordance with Purchasing guidelines.
  • Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and service excellence within School Nutrition Services
  • Provide training on menu items and recipes.
  • Provide nutrition education to students as necessary.
Support:
  • Must meet required annual Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals.
  • Attend workshops, training, and seminars to keep abreast of current research and information.
Other:
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory
Responsibilities:		 Assist in supervision of operations and support staff. Supervises Culinary Training Supervisor and Marketing & Nutrition Specialist.
Equipment Used: Computer, communications equipment including cell phones and two-way radios, and other common office equipment.
Working Conditions:  Mental Demands:
  • Maintain emotional control under stress.
  • Work with frequent interruptions.
  • This position requires regular in-person interaction with the public.
Physical Demands:
  • Repetitive hand motions.
  • Prolonged use of the computer.
  • Frequent sitting, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling.
  • Infrequent after-hours participation in Board Meetings, caterings, health fairs, and other District events.
  • Some travel to trainings and conferences.
  • Moving small stacks of textbooks, boxes, equipment and other campus equipment.
Application Procedure: Click Apply then Login.  To complete your application, please visit our website at https://www.springbranchisd.com/join-our-team/applicants.
Spring Branch Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status or disability.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. By applying for this position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the job description listed above.