CHEF (FULL TIME)

Chartwells K12, a division of Compass Group, is a leading foodservice provider dedicated to transforming school dining experiences across thousands of educational institutions in the United States. With over 16,000 associates serving in more than 4,300 schools, Chartwells K12 combines decades of expertise in culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability to create custom dining programs that focus on serving meals students love while promoting healthier choices. The company prides itself on fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion, encouraging associates to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to student well-being through superior food service.

The organization is currently hiring for a full-time Chef position based at Aiken County Public Schools, located at 1163 Ergle Street, Graniteville, South Carolina. This role offers a competitive fixed pay rate of $23.00 per hour, highlighting the company’s commitment to attracting skilled culinary professionals. The schedule entails working a full-time day shift, generally from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with exact hours subject to variation depending on operational needs, which will be clarified during the interview process.

As a Chef at Chartwells K12, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing kitchen operations, directing food preparation and production, and leading foodservice associates to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The Chef supervises and coordinates the activities of cooks and kitchen staff to ensure food quality adherence, presentation standards, and safety compliance. This includes overseeing food handling, sanitation procedures, and customer service standards to maintain a hygienic and welcoming dining environment.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Chef actively participates in cooking and serving high-quality food items according to established recipes, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently and meet service schedules. The role demands meticulous attention to portion control, serving temperature, and food appearance to enhance the overall cafeteria experience.

Inventory management and procurement are critical components of this role. The Chef tracks food usage, waste, and consumption patterns to inform requisition and purchasing decisions, ensuring kitchen supply levels are maintained and costs controlled. Receiving and inspecting deliveries for quality and quantity further safeguards operational standards.

Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, utensils, and workstations is paramount. The Chef ensures compliance with safety and health regulations by cleaning thoroughly before and after operation hours and keeping display equipment pristine during services.

Moreover, the Chef contributes to menu development and recipe selection, working collaboratively to build creative, nutritious menus that meet dietary guidelines and appeal to young diners. This dynamic role requires adaptability, culinary expertise, and team leadership to promote a positive and effective kitchen environment.

Chartwells K12 offers numerous benefits to full-time associates, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and wellness programs, enhancing the overall job satisfaction and work-life balance of its team members. Associates also enjoy participation in special programs like associate shopping discounts and identity protection, showcasing the company’s commitment to employee well-being.

This position emphasizes the importance of previous culinary experience, particularly one to three years in food service and inventory management, to ensure candidates can adeptly handle the responsibilities. Chartwells K12 is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing all applicants and associates fair treatment regardless of identity or background, and encourages interested candidates to join its mission of making school dining a happier, healthier experience for children.