Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $60,000.00 - $65,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Employee assistance program
Paid holidays
Job Description
Our company is a dedicated leader in the K-12 food service industry, committed to providing nutritious and balanced meals that support student health and learning. We partner with schools across multiple districts to ensure every child has access to quality food choices daily. Focused on innovation and excellence, we emphasize culinary creativity and operational efficiency, fostering an environment where culinary professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities. As a trusted provider in school nutrition, we uphold rigorous standards in food safety, menu development, and team training while adapting to the evolving needs of students and schools nationwide.
The role of District Chef is a unique and dynamic position within our organization, ideal for a passionate culinary professional who seeks to combine their love for cooking with leadership and educational responsibility. This full-time role involves overseeing the planning and execution of school meal programs across multiple schools in a district, providing guidance and mentorship to kitchen teams, and ensuring every dish meets high standards for taste, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness. The District Chef is tasked with designing innovative menus that delight students while adhering to nutritional guidelines and budget constraints. This role also demands a hands-on approach to culinary work, recipe development, and food safety training, requiring the ability to manage multiple operational facets in diverse kitchen environments.
As a pivotal leader, the District Chef collaborates regularly with Cafeteria Managers and school administration to align culinary operations with district goals, maintaining consistent quality and compliance with health regulations. Beyond daily kitchen oversight, the role involves conducting taste tests and chef demonstrations to engage and educate students and staff, fostering a culture of food appreciation and healthy eating habits. The District Chef is responsible for ordering supplies, managing food costs, and supervising staff performance, playing an essential role in shaping a sustainable and enjoyable food program for schools.
This position demands excellent communication skills, the ability to adapt to various kitchen setups, and the commitment to maintain inclusive and respectful interactions with diverse school communities. Candidates with prior school food service experience and culinary education will find this role especially rewarding. Our organization values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, providing the District Chef with opportunities for professional growth and impact on student wellness.
The role of District Chef is a unique and dynamic position within our organization, ideal for a passionate culinary professional who seeks to combine their love for cooking with leadership and educational responsibility. This full-time role involves overseeing the planning and execution of school meal programs across multiple schools in a district, providing guidance and mentorship to kitchen teams, and ensuring every dish meets high standards for taste, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness. The District Chef is tasked with designing innovative menus that delight students while adhering to nutritional guidelines and budget constraints. This role also demands a hands-on approach to culinary work, recipe development, and food safety training, requiring the ability to manage multiple operational facets in diverse kitchen environments.
As a pivotal leader, the District Chef collaborates regularly with Cafeteria Managers and school administration to align culinary operations with district goals, maintaining consistent quality and compliance with health regulations. Beyond daily kitchen oversight, the role involves conducting taste tests and chef demonstrations to engage and educate students and staff, fostering a culture of food appreciation and healthy eating habits. The District Chef is responsible for ordering supplies, managing food costs, and supervising staff performance, playing an essential role in shaping a sustainable and enjoyable food program for schools.
This position demands excellent communication skills, the ability to adapt to various kitchen setups, and the commitment to maintain inclusive and respectful interactions with diverse school communities. Candidates with prior school food service experience and culinary education will find this role especially rewarding. Our organization values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, providing the District Chef with opportunities for professional growth and impact on student wellness.
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
Job Duties
- Prepare and cook food according to standardized recipes and production records
- create new recipes using commodity and purchased ingredients
- conduct taste tests and chef demonstrations with students and staff
- design cost-effective, appealing, and nutritionally balanced student menus
- enter menus into the nutritional analysis program
- place food and supply orders while monitoring cost control
- train kitchen staff on food safety, HACCP, cooking techniques, and presentation
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster
Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily
