Jobs in Pearl River, MS

Job Title:

SR1 Culinary and Food Services Specialist (Full-Time & Part-Time)

Location:

Canton, Mississippi (Central MS)

Salary Range:

$40,000 – $70,000 (Commensurate with experience)

About SR1:

SR1 (Scientific Research) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of all people through education, health, and technology. We operate Mississippi’s first STEM-focused public charter school, SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy (SR1CPSA), and lead innovative community initiatives through SR1Tech and SR1Ag. Our culinary and agriculture programs work hand-in-hand to nourish children and families through fresh, seasonal meals, hands-on food education, and a “food as medicine” approach rooted in culturally and contextually relevant practices.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and purpose-driven Culinary and Food Services Specialist to lead daily meal preparation and nutritional programming at SR1 CPSA. This unique role is ideal for an early-career chef, recent culinary graduate, or intern ready to make a meaningful impact. You’ll craft from-scratch meals that reflect the rich flavors of Southern cuisine and are built on fresh, local ingredients—including produce grown by our own students.

Beyond the kitchen, you’ll host cooking demonstrations, collaborate with our agriculture team, and help develop menus and activities that teach children and families how to eat well. This is a rare opportunity to cook, teach, and lead in a supportive environment that values innovation and community wellness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare nutritious, scratch-made meals for K–5 students, emphasizing Southern cuisine and seasonal, farm-to-school ingredients
• Collaborate with SR1Ag to integrate school-grown produce into daily meals
• Lead and support cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops, and after-school events for students, families, and staff
• Develop rotating menus that align with USDA nutrition guidelines and student preferences
• Uphold the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness; obtain or maintain SERVSafe certification
• Partner with staff on nutrition education and “food as medicine” initiatives
• Mentor student interns or volunteers with an interest in culinary or agricultural careers
• Participate in special event catering, school celebrations, and summer programs
• Help shape long-term plans for SR1’s future agriculture and food facility

Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or current enrollment preferred, but not required
• Willingness to obtain SERVSafe certification (required)
• Passion for cooking, learning, and creating culturally relevant meals
• Interest in community food access, child nutrition, or public health
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Experience working with children or in educational settings is a plus
• Creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm for trying new things in the kitchen

Why SR1?

At SR1, we serve all people and promote culturally and contextually grounded approaches to tackle nutrition insecurity, prevent and control diet-related diseases, and empower future generations through food. We offer future opportunities for profit-sharing, entrepreneurship, and leadership in a growing farm-to-school and wellness ecosystem.

Apply Now:

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to . Culinary portfolios, sample menus, or project photos are welcome but optional.

Learn More:

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• Receive and prepare and/or delegate food orders according to memorized
  
  

• Coordinate orders for pick-up.
• Maintain cleanliness of work station and storage areas at all times.
• Control waste by monitoring proper rotation, storage, and quantity control.
• Maintain inventory of station and order stock to maintain pars.
• Consistently apply established safety and sanitation procedures.
• Assist in the training and coaching of Line Cooks.
  
  

• Must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a cook.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk for duration of shift.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 75 pounds.
• Other physical requirements of the position include but are not necessarily
  
  

• Must be able to obtain/maintain any necessary licenses and/or
  
  

• Changing bed linens
• Collecting used bath linens and replenishing with fresh linens
• Dusting hard surfaces
• Vacuuming carpeted areas
• Cleaning bathroom sink, counters, tub and/or shower, toilet, etc.
• Replenish room amenities such as tissues, soaps, etc.
  
  

• Changing bed linens
• Collecting used bath linens and replenishing with fresh linens
• Dusting hard surfaces
• Vacuuming carpeted areas
• Cleaning bathroom sink, counters, tub and/or shower, toilet, etc.
• Replenish room amenities such as tissues, soaps, etc.
  
  

Panda Express managers can have the opportunity to embody an entrepreneurial spirit while learning from a very hands-on and fast-paced environment. As a General Manager, you will be in charge of a $1-2 million business and oversee the development of your team, ensuring guest satisfaction and running a profitable restaurant. From the hiring, managing and directing of associates to achieving financial goals and ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences, you create your own success story. Because of this, Panda also offers a best in class compensation package, including uncapped profit sharing bonuses based on your growth.

To prepare you for success, all Panda leaders participate in a comprehensive 6+ week Store Leadership Training Program to help build the foundation to become a high performing and inspiring Leader at Panda. The program focuses on:

People Development: The ability to hire, train, coach and develop the right talent for your restaurant

Guest Experience: Upholding the highest food quality and guest service standards while developing marketing acumen

Financial: Ability to understand sales growth, cost management, and profit growth

Kitchen Management: Ensure food safety, maintain product inventory and develop the culinary skillset to prepare all entrees at the highest level

Operations: Maintain cleanliness, safety standards, and apply knowledge of all policies, procedures and practices

We offer our Full-Time Management Team:

• Progressive Compensation Package and Excellent Bonus Opportunity
• 5 or more Weeks of Comprehensive Training to prepare you for success
• On-Going Career & Leadership Development
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401 K with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Associate Discounts (Panda Express, Hibachi San, Panda Inn plus Theme Parks) and free meals when you work
• Lucrative Associate Referral Bonus
• Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

GM starting at $75K/year + bonus. (Potential earning over $100K/year)

AM starting at $58K/year + bonus. (Potential earning over $75K/year)

About us:

Panda Express is part of Panda Restaurant Group, the world leader in Asian dining experiences that also includes Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." Guided by this mission, we are a family dedicated to creating an organization that inspires better lives for our people and our communities in which we serve. Whether through sharing good food with guests or providing opportunities for professional and personal growth with associates, all are embraced in our genuine family environment that is uniquely Panda.

Panda was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California Panda Express is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. As America’s favorite Chinese restaurant, Panda Express has close to 2,400 locations globally and continues to grow over 100 restaurants annually.

* Named one of "America's Best Employers"

* Great Place to Work certified

* The Safest Restaurant Chain in the US during the pandemic

Requirements

Restaurant Manager Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree
• Minimum one to two years of Operations experience
• Some leadership experience
• Must pass Cooking Test annually
• Must be flexible to move to a store within a radius of 50 miles from home
• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends

ADA Statement: While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Work space is restricted and employees are expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees may be required to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Role at a glance:

We are seeking a motivated and experiencedFood Service Director to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of our Chick-fil-A location at Northwest Mississippi Community College Campus in Senatobia, MS. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, exceptional customer service, and strong team performance within a fast-paced retail dining environment.

The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal skills, employee management experience, and a solid understanding of retail food operations. Familiarity with Chick-fil-A culture and service standards is a strong plus.

What you'll be doing:

• Managing and overseeing the daily operations of the Chick-fil-A retail location on campus
• Leading and developing a team of associates, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management
• Ensuring all brand, quality, food safety, and sanitation standards are consistently met
• Driving operational efficiency and maintaining high service standards
• Monitoring financial performance, including budgeting, cost controls, and meeting account targets
• Building strong relationships with campus partners and stakeholders
• Ensuring an exceptional guest experience through outstanding customer service
• Maintaining compliance with company policies and procedures

What we're looking for:

Must-haves:

• At least two years of experience coordinating or managing food service operations
• Employee management experience in a retail or food service environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced setting
• Strong focus on customer service and client satisfaction
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

Nice-to-haves:

• Understanding of Chick-fil-A culture and brand standards
• ServSafe and/or HACCP certification
• Previous experience with industrial or high-volume cooking

Where you'll be working:

Chick-fil-A at Northwest CC in Senatobia, MS

Compensation Range

Compensation for this position is up to $50,000 / year based on experience.

• Set up banquet room in accordance with catering specification sheet; table
  
  

• Greet guests in a friendly, courteous manner.
• Serve food and beverage items to guests using hand-held trays and/or
  
  

• Prepare and set up condiments.
• Break down banquet room upon completion of function; remove soiled