Executive Chef 3 - School/Child Nutrition

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, committed to enhancing the daily experience of the people it serves. With expertise in food service management, facilities management, and comprehensive catering solutions, Sodexo partners with various sectors including education, healthcare, corporate, and government institutions to provide seamless and innovative service solutions. The company is highly focused on sustainability, community engagement, and fostering inclusive environments. Sodexo values its employees by promoting fairness, respect, diversity, and inclusion, creating a workplace where individual ideas and talents are recognized and developed.

This role is for an Executive Chef 3, based in Waco, TX, serving the Waco Independent School District (Waco ISD), a well-established and premier school district consisting of 24 schools and approximately 15,000 students. As an Executive Chef with Sodexo at Waco ISD, the candidate will play an essential role in overseeing the culinary operations across the district. The position requires a blend of creative culinary skills, operational oversight, and leadership in managing food service delivery. The Executive Chef will be responsible for culinary training and maintaining high food quality standards, ensuring compliance with Sodexo and USDA culinary guidelines.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day kitchen functions, the Executive Chef will be instrumental in managing food cost, purchasing, inventory control, and menu development. The role involves leveraging technology, specifically the PrimeroEdge food management system, to streamline food production and inventory management across multiple school units. The candidate will bring a strong focus on menu compliance and recipe adherence, ensuring the nutritional and quality standards are met to support student health and meal participation.

Another key responsibility will be managing and overseeing catering functions within the district and neighboring K-12 accounts, fostering innovation by designing culinary promotions to drive meal purchases and enhance student engagement with the food program. The Executive Chef will also be a mentor and coach to frontline hourly-paid staff, providing guidance, motivation, and development opportunities to create a positive and productive working environment.

Safety is paramount in this role, with enforcement of strict food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety protocols. Candidates should be proficient with automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems, demonstrating keen attention to detail and efficiency. Sodexo offers a competitive and equitable compensation package, taking education level and relevant experience into account. Employees benefit from a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision care, wellness programs, 401(k) plans with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, and career growth opportunities including tuition reimbursement.

This role is ideal for experienced culinary professionals who thrive in dynamic, educational environments and who have a passion for food innovation and quality. Preferred candidates will have previous experience in K-12 food service environments, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and the ability to uphold the highest culinary standards while mentoring and developing staff. Sodexo’s culture of inclusivity and respect ensures a supportive environment for all employees, encouraging growth, creativity, and a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for students and staff alike.