Job Overview
The Client Manager is responsible for overseeing compliance with all aspects of the federal Child Nutrition Programs for an assigned portfolio of schools. In this fast-paced role, you will own the day-to-day relationships with our clients and ensure they are not only staying in compliance with local and federal regulations but also maximizing the benefits from our value-add programs. This role demands a little bit of everything, from being a trusted adviser, project manager, USDA regulations guru, and much more.
The ideal candidate will also help contribute to best practices and be open to evolving responsibilities as our team grows. The Client Manager is excellent at building relationships, managing the demands of a full book of business while developing new regional business, and knows how to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
The Client Manager has deep rooted knowledge that will help their assigned clients but also has the ability to know where to seek out answers and processes. Keep in mind that as a consultant, our client needs are not the same and we are prepared to help them with every aspect of the Child Nutrition Program. The role is highly independent, but a strong collaborative team is available for support and to lean on for troubleshooting scenarios that arise.
Key Client Duties:
- Own the onboarding process for assigned clients, and conduct annual launch training sessions
- Regularly meet with school partners or as needed (most client meetings take place virtually)
- Visit and monitor each assigned site annually and additional visits if requested
- Assist schools with food service grant applications and manage required reporting
- Manage the on-going, monthly operational and monitoring duties of NSLP, SBP, CACFP, SFSP and FFVP
- Manage the selected vendor relationship for clients and help with conflict resolution if needed
- Work with the school’s selected meal vendor to coordinate the marketing and promotion of the meal program
- Perform periodic on-site audits of the vendor and meal program
- Provide monthly operational and financial reports to schools and recommend solutions, where appropriate
- Submit monthly claims for reimbursement following monthly data audits for NSLP and CACFP programs
- Reconcile monthly vendor invoices and flag discrepancies as they occur
- Create and maintain required meal program policies and procedures including procedures for Meal Counting and Claiming, Revenue, Cash Handling, Monitoring and Civil Rights
- Assist SFA with creation and implementation of Wellness Policy that fits the school’s culture
- Conduct wellness committee meetings that adhere to the Wellness Policy guidelines
- Perform all SFA staff-required annual training and as needed
- Manage Administrative review for both NSLP and CACFP
- Apply for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) annually and conduct required summer monitoring and claim submissions
Key Internal Duties:
- Work cross functionally with others to develop and implement client value-adds
- Work on business development initiatives to help grow the market
- Create best practices that can be replicated across all clients nationally
- Assist the Special Projects team when needed
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of direct experience with USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
- Demonstrated knowledge of: CNP financial management and recordkeeping; Civil Rights and nondiscrimination requirements; Nutrition standards and meal pattern regulations; Eligibility, food safety, procurement, and review processes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple clients and competing deadlines independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
- Proven ability to work in a remote, collaborative team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working directly with charter schools or non-profit sponsors.
- Previous consulting or account management experience.
- Familiarity with grant writing and USDA reporting systems.
- Professional certifications related to school nutrition or program management.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
