Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $72,000.00 - $76,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee wellness programs
Flexible work schedule
Job Description
Our organization is a leading provider of K-12 food service, committed to delivering nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective meals to students across multiple schools in the region. We specialize in creating inclusive food programs that not only meet the strict nutritional and safety guidelines but also inspire and engage young minds through the power of flavorful, well-crafted food. Our team consists of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on student health and well-being by offering high-quality meals that support learning and growth throughout the school day.
We are currently seeking a passionate and innovative District Chef to join our team and take a pivotal role in elevating school food programs across an entire district. The District Chef position is designed for a culinary professional who thrives on creativity and leadership and desires to influence large-scale meal planning and kitchen management. In this full-time role, you will be responsible for designing balanced and appealing menus, crafting new recipes, educating and mentoring kitchen staff, and ensuring compliance with the highest food safety standards. This position offers the unique opportunity to blend culinary artistry with operational oversight, offering mentorship and training while supporting multiple school locations to maintain exceptional food quality and service.
As a District Chef, you will be the culinary leader who brings bold, nutritious flavors to school cafeterias, transforming the meal experience for students and staff alike. Your expertise will directly contribute to healthier eating habits and inspire a fresh appreciation for school meals through culinary demonstrations and taste tests. You will be engaged in all aspects of menu design, nutritional analysis, cost control, inventory management, and kitchen staff development. This role demands an individual who is not only passionate about food and cooking but also deeply committed to food safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. Its impact stretches beyond the kitchen into the classroom, fostering wellness, inclusivity, and community through every dish served.
This position typically requires working a 50-60 hour week, with responsibilities spanning multiple school sites, and occasional travel for company meetings. The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting, and the physical agility to manage kitchen operations effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusivity, and committed to ensuring that all team members work in a respectful and supportive environment. If you have experience in culinary leadership, a keen eye for recipe development and training, and a passion for improving school food service, this District Chef opportunity offers an inspiring career path with meaningful long-term impact.
We are currently seeking a passionate and innovative District Chef to join our team and take a pivotal role in elevating school food programs across an entire district. The District Chef position is designed for a culinary professional who thrives on creativity and leadership and desires to influence large-scale meal planning and kitchen management. In this full-time role, you will be responsible for designing balanced and appealing menus, crafting new recipes, educating and mentoring kitchen staff, and ensuring compliance with the highest food safety standards. This position offers the unique opportunity to blend culinary artistry with operational oversight, offering mentorship and training while supporting multiple school locations to maintain exceptional food quality and service.
As a District Chef, you will be the culinary leader who brings bold, nutritious flavors to school cafeterias, transforming the meal experience for students and staff alike. Your expertise will directly contribute to healthier eating habits and inspire a fresh appreciation for school meals through culinary demonstrations and taste tests. You will be engaged in all aspects of menu design, nutritional analysis, cost control, inventory management, and kitchen staff development. This role demands an individual who is not only passionate about food and cooking but also deeply committed to food safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. Its impact stretches beyond the kitchen into the classroom, fostering wellness, inclusivity, and community through every dish served.
This position typically requires working a 50-60 hour week, with responsibilities spanning multiple school sites, and occasional travel for company meetings. The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting, and the physical agility to manage kitchen operations effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusivity, and committed to ensuring that all team members work in a respectful and supportive environment. If you have experience in culinary leadership, a keen eye for recipe development and training, and a passion for improving school food service, this District Chef opportunity offers an inspiring career path with meaningful long-term impact.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate 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
- Clear, professional communication skills required
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer systems required
- 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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