Job Overview
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance program
Paid holidays
Job Description
Our organization is a dedicated leader in the K-12 food service sector, passionately committed to enhancing student nutrition and dining experiences through innovative culinary leadership and well-planned meal programs. As a regional food service provider, we manage multiple school kitchens, offering creative and nutritionally balanced meals designed to both delight and nourish young learners. Our mission is to provide high-quality, appealing meals that meet strict nutritional guidelines while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for both students and staff. We believe that food education and culinary excellence go hand-in-hand, and we strive to empower our kitchen teams to excel through mentorship and professional development.
The Culinary District Leader role is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic, skilled chef who is eager to inspire and lead culinary teams across a broad geographic area. This full-time position blends creativity with operational oversight to transform each school kitchen into a hub of culinary innovation and student satisfaction. The leader will be instrumental in crafting menus that balance taste, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring strict adherence to food safety protocols. Beyond menu development, this role involves mentoring and training kitchen staff through hands-on demonstrations and ongoing culinary education programs.
In this position, you will spearhead recipe innovation by utilizing both commodity and purchased ingredients, maintaining food quality and safety standards across several sites. Your expertise will guide cafeterias in achieving consistent, high-standard meal production while managing food ordering and cost controls. You will play a vital role in conducting taste tests and chef demonstrations designed to engage students and staff alike, building enthusiasm for healthy eating that supports their academic success and well-being.
As a Culinary District Leader, you will embrace a leadership role that emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and collaboration with local cafeteria managers. Your efforts will directly impact thousands of students by shaping their daily dining experiences and ensuring meals are not only nutritious but also exciting and flavorful. This role demands strong communication skills, technological proficiency for menu analysis, and a commitment to regulatory compliance.
Overall, this position offers a rewarding blend of culinary creativity, team leadership, and community impact. If you are passionate about food and education, eager to innovate within school food service, and ready to take on a challenging yet fulfilling leadership role, we invite you to join us and ignite your culinary passion in a meaningful way.
The Culinary District Leader role is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic, skilled chef who is eager to inspire and lead culinary teams across a broad geographic area. This full-time position blends creativity with operational oversight to transform each school kitchen into a hub of culinary innovation and student satisfaction. The leader will be instrumental in crafting menus that balance taste, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring strict adherence to food safety protocols. Beyond menu development, this role involves mentoring and training kitchen staff through hands-on demonstrations and ongoing culinary education programs.
In this position, you will spearhead recipe innovation by utilizing both commodity and purchased ingredients, maintaining food quality and safety standards across several sites. Your expertise will guide cafeterias in achieving consistent, high-standard meal production while managing food ordering and cost controls. You will play a vital role in conducting taste tests and chef demonstrations designed to engage students and staff alike, building enthusiasm for healthy eating that supports their academic success and well-being.
As a Culinary District Leader, you will embrace a leadership role that emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and collaboration with local cafeteria managers. Your efforts will directly impact thousands of students by shaping their daily dining experiences and ensuring meals are not only nutritious but also exciting and flavorful. This role demands strong communication skills, technological proficiency for menu analysis, and a commitment to regulatory compliance.
Overall, this position offers a rewarding blend of culinary creativity, team leadership, and community impact. If you are passionate about food and education, eager to innovate within school food service, and ready to take on a challenging yet fulfilling leadership role, we invite you to join us and ignite your culinary passion in a meaningful way.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or related Bachelor's degree preferred
- Minimum of 3 years kitchen or back-of-house experience
- Prior school food service experience desired
- Food safety certification or food handler's card within 2 weeks of hire
- Ability to pass background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to work a full-time schedule including some weekends
- Willingness to travel to multiple school locations
- Respectful and inclusive mindset
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or related Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
- 3+ years of experience in kitchen/back-of-house operations
- Prior experience in school food service highly desired
- Solid understanding of budgeting and food cost control
- Strong culinary skills with hands-on leadership experience
- Food safety certification (or food handler's card within 2 weeks of hire)
- Ability to pass background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit
- Excellent communication skills with a professional demeanor
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer skills
- Respectful, inclusive, and able to work effectively with diverse communities
- Basic cooking and cleaning abilities
Job Duties
- Prepare and cook food following standardized recipes and production records
- Innovate new recipes using commodity and purchased ingredients
- Conduct engaging taste tests and chef demonstrations for students and staff
- Design appealing, cost-effective, and nutritionally balanced menus for students
- Utilize a nutritional analysis program for menu entries
- Manage food and supply orders while adhering to cost control measures
- Train kitchen staff on food safety, HACCP protocols, cooking techniques, and presentation skills
- Collaborate with Cafeteria Managers to ensure meal quality and satisfaction
- Comply with all local health department and company safety regulations
- Supervise and evaluate kitchen team members to foster professional growth
- Complete reports on time and ensure compliance with established procedures
- Assist with additional duties as needed to enhance culinary operations
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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