Chef Manager

Elior Independent School Dining is a dedicated provider of culinary services tailored specifically to educational institutions, partnering closely with schools to curate thoughtful and student-focused dining experiences. This company goes beyond just serving food; it acts as an extension of each campus, designing unique programs that reflect the school's culture, mission, and values. With an emphasis on well-being, community, and culinary excellence, Elior Independent School Dining ensures that its foodservice offerings support students' growth, health, and success. This dedication to quality and service makes the organization a trusted leader in school dining across the regions it serves, particularly in New York City where it maintains a strong presence. Elior North America, the parent company, is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and advancement, fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to develop their careers and skills in various facets of the foodservice and hospitality industry.

The Chef Manager role at Elior Independent School Dining in New York City is a full-time, onsite position offering compensation up to $95,000 annually, based on experience. This leadership position is integral to the day-to-day success of the kitchen and dining operations in the school setting. As a frontline culinary leader, the Chef Manager is responsible for overseeing the preparation and cooking of all food items for daily foodservice and special catered events. This means coordinating comprehensive menu planning, managing food and labor costs, and supervising all kitchen and service team members. The Chef Manager serves not only as a mentor and trainer but also as a liaison to school administrators, faculty, parents, and other community stakeholders.

The role demands someone who embraces the farm-to-table philosophy, driving food quality, genuine hospitality, and operational structure to deliver first-class dining experiences. The responsibilities include meticulous coordination with sous chefs, ensuring compliance with Department of Health (DOH) regulations and allergen safety standards, managing dietary needs and allergen restrictions for students, and maintaining high standards of kitchen safety and cleanliness. Additionally, the Chef Manager handles administrative functions such as payroll, inventory management, performance evaluations, and the execution of catering events.

This position requires strategic thinking, strong communication skills, a proactive and positive attitude, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. The candidate should possess a degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management or have equivalent experience along with five or more years of progressive culinary management experience. Certifications such as NYC Food Handler, ServSafe, and AllerTrain are mandatory.

The work environment is vibrant and challenges the individual with its fast pace and the inherent physical demands of a busy kitchen, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work weekends or extended hours when necessary. Elior Independent School Dining offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more, making it an attractive employer for culinary professionals who wish to grow and thrive in the educational dining segment. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a company with a strong commitment to quality, community, and the professional development of its employees.