Principal, school meal activities

What does a school meals manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A school meals manager is responsible for planning, leading, and developing the meal service within schools and preschools. Tasks often include personnel management, budget work, quality assurance of meals, and compliance with food handling laws and guidelines. In daily work, this involves ensuring students and staff receive nutritious and safe meals, while maintaining good communication with kitchen staff and school administration. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, many contacts, and responsibilities for both work environment and operational development. The role often requires quick problem-solving and strategic work to improve the quality of school meals.

Salary development over time

The salary for school meals managers has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 39 900 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increased more significantly to 41 600 SEK, which is approximately a 4.3 % increase over one year. This development can partly be attributed to increased demand for qualified leaders in school meal services and a growing focus on quality and nutritional content. Changes in collective bargaining and overall labor market wage trends also influence salary levels in the profession. It is clear that the profession continues to be valued, and leadership and meal knowledge skills are rewarded.

School meals manager salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,400 SEK (men), 36,600 SEK (women)
• Highest salary: 45,400 SEK (men), 43,200 SEK (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 250 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 42 400 SEK. Data on men's average salary is unavailable, but highest and lowest salaries are provided.
• Regional differences: No complete data available, but salary levels may vary depending on region and municipality.

Education and qualifications

To work as a school meals manager, a post-secondary education in nutrition, dietetics, or large-scale catering is typically required, often lasting 2–3 years. Many employers prefer candidates with leadership and management experience, as well as knowledge of food hygiene and finance. Practical experience from large-scale kitchens or restaurants is advantageous and can sometimes compensate for formal educational requirements.

• Post-secondary education: Nutrition science, restaurant or large-scale catering studies (2–3 years)
• Certifications: Food hygiene, finance, and leadership courses
• Practical experience: Work experience in large kitchens or school meal services
• Prerequisites: High school education in restaurant or equivalent experience
• Tips for choosing: Combine leadership training with nutrition and dietetics for broader competence

Common benefits and compensations

School meals managers are often offered benefits such as wellness grants, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include occupational pension, subsidized lunch, and insurance linked to employment. Public sector employers prioritize a safe work environment and good working conditions.

Challenges and competition

Competition for positions as school meals managers can vary depending on region and employer. Demand for the role is relatively stable, but increased specialization and leadership requirements have led employers to seek candidates with broad skills. Challenges include staying updated on new nutritional recommendations, working with limited resources, and managing high demands for quality and efficiency. Digitalization and sustainability issues also impose new requirements on operational development and management.

Tips for aspiring school meals managers

To succeed as a school meals manager, it is beneficial to combine leadership skills with a genuine interest in food and health. Being organized makes it easier to handle budgets and planning, while good communication skills facilitate collaboration with staff and school management. Flexibility is important to quickly find solutions to unexpected problems. A proactive approach to new trends in diet and nutrition provides advantages in menu development and routines. Showing engagement in children’s eating habits and work environment contributes to a positive atmosphere and long-term success in the role.

Key facts about School Meals Managers

• Education level: Post-secondary education in nutrition or large-scale catering (2–3 years)
• Work environment: School environment with responsibility for staff and operations
• Typical work form: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: 123 available jobs registered in the current database
• Special skills: Leadership, finance, and food hygiene

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a school meals manager, there are good opportunities to advance to senior roles such as operations director for meal services or nutrition manager in larger municipalities. It is also common to move into strategic roles within public administration, focusing on meal policy development and sustainability. According to the Employment Service and current job matching platforms, demand for this skill set remains stable, with many vacancies nationwide. Those combining experience with further education can also work as consultants or trainers in meal development and quality assurance.

Frequently asked questions about School Meals Managers

• What does a school meals manager earn?
  - The average salary is 41 600 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and region.
• What education is required to become a school meals manager?
  - Post-secondary education in nutrition, dietetics, or large-scale catering is recommended, often 2–3 years.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn on average 42 400 SEK. Data on men's average salary is unavailable, but highest and lowest salaries are provided.
• What is the highest salary for a school meals manager?
  - The highest salary is 45,400 SEK (male, public sector, with 3 or more years of post-secondary education).
• What is the job market like for school meals managers?
  - Demand is stable with 123 available jobs registered in the current database.
• What personal qualities are valued?
  - Leadership, structure, flexibility, and good communication skills are important qualities in the profession.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, it is common to advance to roles such as food service manager, operations manager, or consultant within meal development.