Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $70,000.00 - $80,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Employee Discounts
flexible schedule
wellness programs
Job Description
The hiring establishment is a dedicated K-12 food service provider committed to elevating the quality and nutritional value of meals served to students across multiple schools in a specific district or region. This organization plays a critical role in shaping the food experience for children by focusing not only on taste and appeal but also on health and balanced nutrition. They work closely with school districts to design and implement meal programs that meet regulatory standards and nutritional guidelines, ensuring every student has access to nutritious, delicious meals that support their learning and growth. The organization is known for fostering an inclusive work environment that values respect, diversity, and professional development. They embrace innovation and creative culinary approaches to improve meal offerings while maintaining cost control and operational efficiency. The role offered is a full-time District Chef position, designed for a passionate culinary professional with a strong desire to influence food service across multiple school locations. This position typically demands a demanding schedule that may include 50-60 hour workweeks with occasional 6-7 day stretches, requiring stamina, dedication, and effective time management.
As a District Chef in K-12 Food Service, you will be at the forefront of menu design, recipe development, and culinary training for school kitchens throughout the district. Your leadership will have a direct impact on the daily meal experience of countless students by creating menus that balance nutrition, appeal, and cost-effectiveness. This position offers a unique blend of creativity and operational oversight, where you will take charge of preparing and cooking meals, experimenting with new recipes using both commodity and purchased ingredients, and conducting taste tests and demonstrations that engage students and staff alike. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with local health regulations, and supervising multiple kitchen teams to optimize meal production and quality.
This role also emphasizes mentorship and staff development, as you will train kitchen employees on essential topics such as HACCP food safety protocols, cooking techniques, and food presentation to uplift standards district-wide. Collaboration with Cafeteria Managers will be key to ensuring smooth operations and consistent meal quality. Moreover, you will oversee inventory control, food ordering, and cost management to align with budget requirements. The position requires familiarity with nutritional analysis software to monitor menu components and validate their nutritional value. As an administrative component, timely submission of reports and compliance documentation is crucial. The District Chef role is ideal for a culinary expert with strong leadership abilities, a commitment to food safety, and a passion for contributing to children's health and well-being through excellent school meals.
As a District Chef in K-12 Food Service, you will be at the forefront of menu design, recipe development, and culinary training for school kitchens throughout the district. Your leadership will have a direct impact on the daily meal experience of countless students by creating menus that balance nutrition, appeal, and cost-effectiveness. This position offers a unique blend of creativity and operational oversight, where you will take charge of preparing and cooking meals, experimenting with new recipes using both commodity and purchased ingredients, and conducting taste tests and demonstrations that engage students and staff alike. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with local health regulations, and supervising multiple kitchen teams to optimize meal production and quality.
This role also emphasizes mentorship and staff development, as you will train kitchen employees on essential topics such as HACCP food safety protocols, cooking techniques, and food presentation to uplift standards district-wide. Collaboration with Cafeteria Managers will be key to ensuring smooth operations and consistent meal quality. Moreover, you will oversee inventory control, food ordering, and cost management to align with budget requirements. The position requires familiarity with nutritional analysis software to monitor menu components and validate their nutritional value. As an administrative component, timely submission of reports and compliance documentation is crucial. The District Chef role is ideal for a culinary expert with strong leadership abilities, a commitment to food safety, and a passion for contributing to children's health and well-being through excellent school meals.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- 3+ years of experience in kitchen/back-of-house operations
- Food safety certification or food handler’s card within 2 weeks of hire
- 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 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
- Collaborate with cafeteria managers to ensure meal quality
- Follow all local health department and company safety regulations
- Supervise and evaluate kitchen team members
- Submit reports as assigned and ensure timely compliance
- Support other duties as assigned to improve culinary operations
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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