CHEF

Chartwells K12, a proud part of Compass Group, is a leading provider of food and dining services in educational institutions across the United States. With a presence in over 4,300 schools and a dedicated team of more than 16,000 associates, Chartwells K12 is committed to enhancing the school food experience by serving nutritious, appealing, and well-balanced meals tailored to kids' tastes. The organization emphasizes a comprehensive approach combining culinary innovation, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability to foster healthier eating habits among students, thereby contributing positively to their overall well-being and academic success. Chartwells K12 operates in diverse school environments, including large public institutions, charter schools, and private schools, making it a versatile and dynamic leader in the child nutrition sector.

We are hiring immediately for full-time Chef positions located at Newtown Public Schools, 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the high-quality preparation and service of meals within the K-12 school system while complying with USDA guidelines and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The position offers a competitive fixed pay rate of $24.50 per hour, along with an internal employee referral bonus. The schedule is full-time, typically from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, with specific workdays varying and further details to be provided during the interview.

As a Chef at Chartwells K12, you will be responsible for directing, coordinating, and evaluating kitchen operations and the performance of food production and food service associates. Your leadership will ensure that all cooking activities meet stringent food handling, sanitation, and customer service standards. This is more than just a cooking role; it involves supervising hourly kitchen associates, managing schedules, conducting interviews, overseeing payroll, providing training, and participating in performance reviews and disciplinary actions when necessary.

The Chef will produce high-quality food items aligned with standardized recipes to ensure consistency, food safety, and adherence to service schedules. You will also ensure the proper presentation of meals, control portion sizes, and maintain appropriate serving temperatures. Inventory management is an important part of your job including tracking food usage and waste, receiving and inspecting supplies for quality and quantity, and requisitioning products as needed to maintain efficient kitchen operations.

Sanitation responsibilities are paramount, requiring you to maintain the cleanliness and safety of equipment, utensils, and workstations, making sure they meet all health and safety guidelines. Additionally, your creative input will be valued in selecting and developing recipes and menus that appeal to students while aligning with nutritional standards. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in students' day-to-day lives by contributing to a happier and healthier food environment.

Chartwells K12 is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and offers robust benefits to its associates, including retirement plans, associate shopping programs, health and wellness programs, and voluntary benefits such as critical illness insurance and legal services. Full-time employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options along with commuter benefits, employee assistance programs, and flexible spending accounts. This combination of compensation, benefits, and meaningful work in a supportive environment makes this Chef position an excellent career opportunity for professionals passionate about nutrition and food service in educational settings.