District Chef

Dearborn, MI, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $80,000.00 - $85,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

401(k)

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Vision Insurance

Job Description

SFE (School Food Enterprises) is a dedicated organization committed to transforming the school meal experience for students. With a focus on providing nutritious, delicious meals, SFE partners with school districts to customize food service programs tailored to the unique needs of each school community. The organization prides itself on innovation, quality, and leadership while delivering meal programs that positively influence children's daily lives. SFE is passionate about ensuring that every student has access to a healthy and satisfying meal each school day, recognizing the critical role good nutrition plays in academic success and overall well-being.

At SFE, the role of a Food Service Specialist is pivotal in bringing this mission to life. This position involves delivering friendly, responsive service in a clean and safe environment that is welcoming to all customers, including students, staff, and parents. The Food Service Specialist is responsible for creating nutritionally sound, cost-effective, and appealing monthly menus. These menus are thoughtfully crafted to meet dietary standards while also engaging students with great-tasting options. Beyond menu creation, the specialist plays an integral part in training kitchen staff on critical aspects such as food safety, managing food costs, cooking techniques, and food presentation. This role ensures that the kitchen operates efficiently and in compliance with health regulations, while fostering a positive educational environment around food.

The Food Service Specialist combines culinary expertise with budget management and leadership skills to contribute to a high-quality food service program at schools. They utilize their knowledge of nutrition and food safety to maintain standards that safeguard student health and satisfaction. The position highlights continuous improvement through innovations like recipe development and customer taste tests, ensuring that menu offerings remain appealing and up to date. The specialist also supports the cafeteria management team in overseeing quality workmanship and coordinating supply orders to keep food costs controlled and aligned with budgetary constraints.

This is a hands-on, in-person role requiring the ability to work on feet for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as lifting and maneuvering food supplies. The Food Service Specialist must communicate effectively and possess a positive, energetic demeanor supportive of a respectful, diverse workplace. Sensitive to the cultural and socio-economic backgrounds of the students and community members served, the specialist acts as a compassionate leader advocating for children’s nutrition and wellness.

Employment with SFE offers a meaningful career opportunity where one can make a tangible, positive impact on children's lives by enhancing their school nutrition experience. The organization values professional integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning, providing a supportive atmosphere for employees to grow and thrive. Benefits for this position include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as participation in a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off, underscoring SFE’s commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
Level 1 background check clearance
Prior school foodservice experience desired
Experience with budgeting and food costs required
Culinary skills experience required
Food safety standards experience required
Food handler’s card within two weeks of hire, if applicable
Communication skills required
Basic computer skills required
Sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds required
Basic cooking and cleaning skills required
Positive and energetic personality preferred

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with a major in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or related field preferred
Level 1 background check clearance
Prior school foodservice experience desired
Experience with restaurant, cafeteria budgeting and food costs required
Experience in culinary skills required
Food safety standards experience required
Must possess a food handler’s card within two weeks of hire, if applicable
Clear, professional communication skills required
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite required
Sensitivity and respect for people of various backgrounds, cultures, experiences and socio-economic situations required
Basic cooking and cleaning skills required
Positive and energetic personality appreciated

Job Duties

Prepare and cook food as per recipes and production records
Create new recipes using commodities and purchased products
Conduct taste testing with customers for new products and recipes
Conduct roving chef demonstrations
Create student menus that are cost effective, appealing and nutritionally balanced
Input menus into the nutritional analysis program
Place food and supply orders that meet the needs of each school while maintaining cost control measures
Conduct trainings with cooks in food safety, HACCP, food cost, cooking technique and food presentation
Work with the cafeteria manager to ensure quality workmanship
Follow all local and SFE health regulations
Supervise and evaluate subordinate employees
Submit reports as directed and in compliance with deadlines
Perform other duties as assigned