Executive Chef 3 - School/Child Nutrition

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, dedicated to making everyday experiences better for people everywhere. Operating across diverse sectors including food service, facilities management, and integrated solutions, Sodexo partners with clients to deliver exceptional experiences for customers and employees alike. The company holds a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, fostering a respectful and equitable work environment that values each individual’s unique contributions. Sodexo’s collaboration with various institutions, from educational settings to corporate campuses, reflects its mission to contribute positively to the economic, social, and environmental progress of communities worldwide.

One of Sodexo’s long-term clients is the Waco Independent School District (Waco ISD), a premier educational institution in Waco, Texas. Waco ISD encompasses 24 schools and serves approximately 15,000 students, making it a significant contributor to the local community and an important partner for Sodexo’s food and culinary services. The district emphasizes high standards for student nutrition and meal quality, providing an engaging and innovative environment to support student success and well-being.

The Executive Chef 3 role at Waco ISD is a dynamic leadership position with a direct impact on culinary operations across multiple school sites. This role requires a skilled culinary professional responsible for the oversight of food quality, culinary training, and innovation within the district’s cafeterias. The Executive Chef will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with both Sodexo’s and the USDA’s culinary standards, maintaining a consistent quality of recipes, and promoting a culture of food safety and workplace safety.

In addition to managing food production and purchasing, the Executive Chef will oversee the PrimeroEdge food management system used across various units within Waco ISD. This enables streamlined inventory control, food cost analysis, and operational efficiency. A key part of the role includes menu development that aligns with student preferences and nutritional guidelines, ensuring the promotion of healthy and appealing meal options. The Executive Chef will also spearhead catering services within the district and surrounding K-12 accounts, expanding meal offerings and supporting community events.

Leadership and mentorship are critical to this position, as the Executive Chef will coach and develop frontline staff, fostering a motivated and skilled team that upholds Sodexo’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of food service. The ability to provide exceptional customer service and client engagement also distinguishes this role, ensuring that all stakeholders receive attentive support and satisfaction.

The compensation package for this position is fair and equitable, depending on the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and training. Sodexo offers an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, vision care, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement, providing a supportive work-life balance and professional development for its employees.

Candidates interested in this leadership role should bring a robust culinary background, an awareness of current culinary trends, and preferably prior experience in a K-12 environment. The ideal Executive Chef possesses outstanding leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for food innovation and quality. Sodexo values individuals who embrace diversity, respect workplace integrity, and demonstrate a commitment to their community. Joining Sodexo means becoming part of a global team that champions a better everyday for everyone, making meaningful contributions to the communities served while advancing one’s career in a rewarding, supportive environment.