School Food Operations Manager (Program Manager)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This department is a perfect fit for those that want to be part of the future of early learning, childcare, and public education in the province by supporting children, students and families with a strong foundation for success in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking an analytical and action-oriented leader to join our School Food team as the School Food Operations Manager. This position is integral to the operational success of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program (NSSLP)—a province-wide initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthy, affordable school meals for all students.

Reporting to the Executive Lead for School Food, you will lead the day-to-day operational activities of the NSSLP. This includes financial oversight, management of the provincial meal ordering system, coordination of implementation and tracking activities, and support for Regional Centres for Education (RCEs) and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) in planning and delivery. Your work will contribute to operational excellence, financial accountability, and continuous program improvement.

In this role, you will collaborate with education partners including RCEs, CSAP, schools, vendors, IT service providers, and government departments to enhance program delivery and help shape its future direction.

We welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences in operations, finance, public administration, education, and health.

Primary Accountabilities

As the School Food Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead Program Management: Oversee the day-to-day and strategic administration of the NSSLP, collaborating with internal and external partners to drive continuous improvement. Provide expert advice on operational planning, service delivery models, and program development. Analyze program data and stakeholder input to guide decision-making, support RCEs/CSAP with local implementation planning and execution, and develop resource allocation frameworks to enhance program delivery and operational efficiency.
• Support Financial Oversight and Approvals: Works closely with the Finance team to support NSSLP financial processes. Manages kitchen equipment-related processes and approvals, and monitors expenditures, variances, and reconciliation activities. Ensures that financial activities align with procurement guidelines, provincial policies, and federal agreements. Reviews financial submissions and prepares summary reports to support strategic decision-making. Develops and applies resource allocation frameworks to improve program delivery and operational efficiency.
• Oversee Ordering Platform Administration: Serve as the program administrator for the NSSLP online ordering and reporting system. Collaborate with IT teams to implement upgrades, troubleshoot functionality issues, and ensure strong system performance and user support. Identify system gaps and lead enhancements that improve service delivery, compliance monitoring, and data integrity. Ensure strict adherence to privacy and data protection standards, particularly regarding confidential student information.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you must have post-secondary education in finance, business administration, public policy, information systems, or a related discipline. This may include a diploma, certificate, or university degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

You bring demonstrated experience in program administration, financial management, procurement, and systems improvement. You are a strategic thinker who understands how to lead in high-profile, multi-stakeholder environments.

In addition, you have:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills focused on continuous improvement.
• Proven experience in budgeting, reconciliation, and compliance in complex operations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience managing projects or operational systems across sectors or jurisdictions.

Assets:

• Familiarity with the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program or similar food-focused public initiatives.
• Experience in the public sector, particularly related to procurement, IT systems, or education.
• Bilingualism in English and French.

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation. Please follow LEADS for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and capabilities using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

· Periodic travel to other locations within the province may be required.

· Work in a comfortable office setting.

· Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax. 

What We Offer

· Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.

· Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.

· Countless career paths.

· A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.