District Chef

Grand Rapids, MI, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee assistance program

Training and Development

Equal opportunity employer

Job Description

This distinguished educational district is committed to enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals while fostering healthy eating habits among students in their community. As a leader in K-12 food service, the district focuses on delivering balanced, cost-effective, and appealing meal options designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of young learners. Their kitchen teams operate with a dedication to safety, quality, and innovation, ensuring every meal served supports the well-being and development of their students. The district employs experienced culinary professionals who share a passion for nutrition education and food service excellence, working collaboratively to maintain high standards in all kitchen operations across multiple schools.

The role of District Chef within this educational environment is both dynamic and impactful. The appointed District Chef will be instrumental in planning comprehensive school meal programs, designing menus that meet strict nutritional guidelines, and creating new recipes utilizing commodity and purchased ingredients efficiently. This leadership role extends beyond typical food preparation duties to include conducting taste tests and chef demonstrations aimed at inspiring both students and staff about healthy eating. Supervising kitchen teams and collaborating with Cafeteria Managers to ensure consistent meal quality, the District Chef plays a critical hands-on role in guiding culinary operations across the district.

The District Chef will also be deeply involved in administrative aspects such as entering menus into nutritional analysis programs, placing food and supply orders, and monitoring budgets to maintain cost control. As a mentor and trainer, this individual will ensure kitchen staff are well-versed in food safety standards like HACCP, cooking techniques, and presentation, raising the culinary competence and efficiency of teams. This position demands a dedicated professional who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, maintain high safety and sanitation standards, and demonstrate creative culinary expertise to foster student satisfaction and support district-wide food service goals.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED
3+ years of kitchen or back-of-house experience
food safety certification or food handler's card within two weeks of hire
ability to pass background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit
ability to stand for long periods up to 5 hours
capability to lift up to 50 lbs
clear communication skills
proficiency with Microsoft Office
willingness to work 50-60 hours per week including possible 6-7 day workweeks
flexibility to travel to schools and company meetings
respectfulness and inclusivity toward diverse communities
basic cooking and cleaning abilities

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