Chef Manager - Pipeline/Potential New Business - Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $65,000.00 - $70,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

holiday time off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and wellness programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee assistance program

flexible spending accounts

Paid parental leave

Personal Leave

Job Description

Flik Independent School Dining has established itself as a pioneering leader in private and independent school foodservice, impacting over 300 communities for more than 40 years. As a committed part of the Compass Group USA family, Flik is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences through the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Their passion extends beyond just providing meals; they integrate innovative nutrition education programs aimed at empowering students to make healthy and informed choices for their lifelong wellness. The company’s mission revolves around nourishing the whole person by fostering community and championing sustainability in every aspect of their foodservice operations. Their commitment to sustainability and education sets them apart as they continue on their path of "Nourishing a Brighter Future."

The Chef Manager role at Flik Independent School Dining is a dynamic leadership position that combines culinary creativity with operational excellence. This full-time role, offering an annual salary range of $65,000 to $70,000, is central to the successful management of school dining programs. The Chef Manager is responsible for all facets of culinary and food service operations, ensuring top-quality meals while maintaining strict adherence to safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction standards. Responsibilities include hands-on culinary leadership, menu planning focused on scratch cooking with seasonal and sustainable ingredients, and full oversight of food service operations including inventory, cost control, vendor management, and compliance with health regulations and HACCP standards. Additionally, this role requires robust management skills to supervise, mentor, and develop frontline culinary and service staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. The Chef Manager also partners with school administrations to support special events and community initiatives that enhance the overall dining experience.

This leadership position demands a skilled culinarian with at least 3 years of culinary management experience preferably in settings such as contract foodservice, fine dining, or high-volume restaurants. A thorough understanding of P&L management, food safety protocols, and sustainability practices is essential. The successful candidate is also expected to demonstrate proficiency in performance management and Microsoft Office Suite, with ServSafe certification and culinary education considered highly advantageous. This role at Flik Independent School Dining offers not only the chance to lead and innovate in school dining but also to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to shaping healthier futures for students through exceptional foodservice and education.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 3 years culinary management experience
Knowledge of HACCP standards and health regulations
Ability to manage food and labor costs
Experience with inventory control and vendor relationships
Strong leadership and team management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
ServSafe certification preferred
Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice fine dining or high-volume restaurant settings
Strong understanding of P&L management and experience in a contract-managed service environment preferred
Confirmed expertise in menu development production planning cost control and inventory management
Extensive knowledge of culinary trends sustainability practices and food safety regulations
Knowledge of exhibition cooking and interacting with guests in a customer-focused environment
Effective team leadership and performance management skills including conducting performance evaluations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Word Excel Outlook Teams
ServSafe Certification preferred
Culinary degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred

Job Duties

Lead all aspects of culinary operations including production menu planning food preparation presentation and sanitation
Run full food service operations including inventory control ordering receiving and vendor relationships
Ensure compliance with HACCP standards health regulations and company food safety policies
Collaborate with the dining team on creative student-centered menu development that emphasizes local sustainable ingredients
Maintain P&L accountability supervise food and labor costs and contribute to financial reporting and forecasting
Lead all hiring onboarding scheduling and performance management for frontline staff
Train mentor and coach culinary and service teams to uphold service standards and culinary perfection
Ensure attention to detail across front and back-of-house operations including cleanliness signage menu displays and pricing
Partner with school administration to support special events and community dining initiatives
Lead all aspects of administrative functions such as staff payroll invoicing weekly and month-end reporting
Champion a culture of safety partnership and continuous improvement across the department