District Chef

Ann Arbor, MI, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $65,000.00 - $70,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Employee assistance program

Professional Development

Job Description

This opportunity is with a dedicated organization focused on delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to K-12 students across multiple school districts. The organization is committed to improving student health outcomes by providing balanced meals that support academic success and overall well-being. As a leader in school food service, the company values innovation in culinary arts, adherence to food safety, and a team-oriented approach to meal program management. The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, suitable for professionals who are passionate about food service and making a positive community impact. This position is a full-time role requiring a commitment to quality, efficiency, and leadership in a multi-site food service operation. The salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience, reflecting the importance of this role within the school nutrition sector.

The role of District Chef in this esteemed K-12 food service program is pivotal in shaping the culinary experience enjoyed by students and staff. The District Chef acts not only as a menu planner and recipe developer but also as a hands-on leader who mentors kitchen teams across multiple schools to maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation, and safety compliance. This leadership role requires creative culinary skills combined with operational savvy to balance cost, nutrition, and student preferences effectively. The District Chef conducts taste tests, demonstrates cooking techniques, and collaborates closely with cafeteria managers to ensure that meals are both appealing and nutritious. Responsibilities extend beyond the kitchen to include oversight of procurement, cost controls, staff training in HACCP and food safety, and compliance with local health regulations. The role demands strong interpersonal communication and management skills, with a focus on inclusivity and respect for diverse communities served by the schools. Physical demands are significant, reflecting the active and hands-on nature of this leadership position in a busy food production environment. Overall, this is an exciting career opportunity for chefs seeking to have a meaningful impact through public-school meal programs, combining their culinary expertise with leadership, training, and program development in a rewarding, supportive setting.

Job Requirements

Must be able to stand for long periods (up to 5 hours)
regular bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, and moving required
regularly uses hands and must be able to hear and communicate clearly
must be able to work a full-time schedule, occasionally including 6-7 day workweeks
typical workweek is 50-60 hours
moderate noise levels
computer and phone use required
travel to schools and company meetings may be required

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required
associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or related bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
3+ years of experience in kitchen/back-of-house operations
prior school food service experience strongly desired
knowledge of budgeting and food cost control required
strong culinary skills with hands-on leadership experience
food safety certification (or food handler’s card within 2 weeks of hire) required
must be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit
clear, professional communication skills
proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer systems
must be respectful, inclusive, and able to work with diverse communities
basic cooking and cleaning abilities required