Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $74,000.00 - $79,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance program
Equal opportunity employer
Job Description
Our client is a respected leader in K-12 food service, dedicated to providing nutritious and appealing meals to students across a wide region. Specializing in school nutrition programs, this organization is known for its commitment to healthy eating, educational engagement, and food safety. They partner with diverse school districts to ensure every student has access to quality meals that support their growth and learning. With an emphasis on innovation, community impact, and operational excellence, they strive to elevate school food service beyond mere sustenance to an experience that delights and inspires. The organization prides itself on its inclusive work environment, professional development opportunities, and strong support for employees' success and well-being.
The role of District Chef is at the heart of this mission, positioning a culinary expert to lead and innovate in the creation and delivery of school meals. As a District Chef, you will be responsible for designing balanced menus that meet nutritional standards and student tastes, developing inventive recipes that utilize both commodity and purchased ingredients, and training kitchen teams to excel in meal preparation and food safety. This hands-on leadership position requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and operational savvy. You'll conduct tastings and demonstrations to engage both students and staff, oversee food ordering and cost control, and collaborate closely with Cafeteria Managers to maintain the highest levels of culinary quality throughout the district.
This full-time, salaried position demands the ability to travel to multiple schools and adapt to a dynamic schedule that may include extended workweeks during peak times. Candidates should be prepared to commit to a schedule averaging 50-60 hours per week, ensuring robust support for all kitchens under their purview. The District Chef serves not only as a menu planner and trainer but also as a mentor and evaluator, fostering growth in kitchen teams and driving continuous improvement in all culinary operations.
In addition to culinary expertise, the successful candidate must demonstrate excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Food safety certification is required, and a background in school food service is highly preferred. Candidates must be able to work in standing positions for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and operate effectively in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment. A respectful and inclusive approach to teamwork and interaction with diverse communities is essential to thriving in this role. This opportunity is ideal for a passionate chef eager to make a meaningful impact on children's health and education through innovative, tasty, and nutritious meals.
The role of District Chef is at the heart of this mission, positioning a culinary expert to lead and innovate in the creation and delivery of school meals. As a District Chef, you will be responsible for designing balanced menus that meet nutritional standards and student tastes, developing inventive recipes that utilize both commodity and purchased ingredients, and training kitchen teams to excel in meal preparation and food safety. This hands-on leadership position requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and operational savvy. You'll conduct tastings and demonstrations to engage both students and staff, oversee food ordering and cost control, and collaborate closely with Cafeteria Managers to maintain the highest levels of culinary quality throughout the district.
This full-time, salaried position demands the ability to travel to multiple schools and adapt to a dynamic schedule that may include extended workweeks during peak times. Candidates should be prepared to commit to a schedule averaging 50-60 hours per week, ensuring robust support for all kitchens under their purview. The District Chef serves not only as a menu planner and trainer but also as a mentor and evaluator, fostering growth in kitchen teams and driving continuous improvement in all culinary operations.
In addition to culinary expertise, the successful candidate must demonstrate excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Food safety certification is required, and a background in school food service is highly preferred. Candidates must be able to work in standing positions for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and operate effectively in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment. A respectful and inclusive approach to teamwork and interaction with diverse communities is essential to thriving in this role. This opportunity is ideal for a passionate chef eager to make a meaningful impact on children's health and education through innovative, tasty, and nutritious meals.
Job Requirements
- 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
- 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
- Strong culinary skills with hands-on leadership experience
- 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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