
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
holiday time off
Associate Shopping Program
Health and wellness programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet insurance
Commuter Benefits
Employee assistance program
flexible spending accounts
Paid parental leave
Personal Leave
Job Description
Chartwells K12 is a leading provider of school dining services in the United States, dedicated to improving the health and happiness of students through quality food and innovative dining programs. With a presence in over 4,500 schools and employing more than 16,000 associates, Chartwells K12 serves a diverse range of educational institutions, from large public school districts to small charter and private schools. The company prides itself on combining extensive experience in food service with educational and operational expertise, supported by a strong focus on culinary excellence, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability. Chartwells K12 is part of Compass Group USA, a global leader in food service management, and is committed to providing safe, nutritious, and appealing meals to students across the country.
The Executive Chef role at Chartwells K12 offers a unique opportunity for an energetic and entrepreneurial culinary professional to lead kitchen operations within the school food service sector. This position involves overseeing all aspects of meal preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation while ensuring compliance with corporate nutrition and wellness guidelines. The Executive Chef will be responsible for menu planning, staff training, inventory control, and quality assurance, maintaining high standards in food production and presentation. Salary for this role ranges from $70,000 to $75,000 per year, reflecting the importance and leadership required within this position.
In this role, the Executive Chef will have direct influence on the nutritional quality and appeal of food served to thousands of students, playing a key part in promoting healthy eating habits and student satisfaction. Day-to-day responsibilities include preparing or directing the preparation of meals, managing food safety protocols, and ensuring kitchen staff are well trained in food handling, equipment operation, and sanitation standards. The role also requires managing inventory and minimizing waste while ensuring ample food supplies are maintained. The Executive Chef will collaborate closely with their team and participate in staff development programs, staying engaged with the latest trends in foodservice and institutional catering.
Chartwells K12 values hands-on leadership and experience, requiring candidates to be highly skilled in culinary management and foodservice operations, particularly in high-volume, complex environments. The company also expects proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, and encourages participation in client satisfaction programs. The Executive Chef role at Chartwells K12 provides a dynamic and supportive environment for culinary professionals passionate about making a positive impact in school nutrition and dining experiences.
The Executive Chef role at Chartwells K12 offers a unique opportunity for an energetic and entrepreneurial culinary professional to lead kitchen operations within the school food service sector. This position involves overseeing all aspects of meal preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation while ensuring compliance with corporate nutrition and wellness guidelines. The Executive Chef will be responsible for menu planning, staff training, inventory control, and quality assurance, maintaining high standards in food production and presentation. Salary for this role ranges from $70,000 to $75,000 per year, reflecting the importance and leadership required within this position.
In this role, the Executive Chef will have direct influence on the nutritional quality and appeal of food served to thousands of students, playing a key part in promoting healthy eating habits and student satisfaction. Day-to-day responsibilities include preparing or directing the preparation of meals, managing food safety protocols, and ensuring kitchen staff are well trained in food handling, equipment operation, and sanitation standards. The role also requires managing inventory and minimizing waste while ensuring ample food supplies are maintained. The Executive Chef will collaborate closely with their team and participate in staff development programs, staying engaged with the latest trends in foodservice and institutional catering.
Chartwells K12 values hands-on leadership and experience, requiring candidates to be highly skilled in culinary management and foodservice operations, particularly in high-volume, complex environments. The company also expects proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, and encourages participation in client satisfaction programs. The Executive Chef role at Chartwells K12 provides a dynamic and supportive environment for culinary professionals passionate about making a positive impact in school nutrition and dining experiences.
Job Requirements
- Education equivalent to an associate degree or relevant culinary training
- minimum five years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience
- demonstrated hands-on chef experience
- knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
- computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications
- ability to comply with health and safety regulations
- willingness to participate in client satisfaction initiatives
- ServSafe certification preferred
Job Qualifications
- Associate degree or equivalent experience
- minimum 5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience
- extensive catering experience a plus
- experience in high-volume complex foodservice operations highly desirable
- hands-on chef experience required
- comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends focusing on quality, production, sanitation, food cost control, and presentation
- proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, email, and Internet
- ServSafe certification highly desirable
- willingness to participate in client satisfaction programs or activities
Job Duties
- Plan regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
- follow standardized recipes, portioning, and presentation standards
- complete and utilize daily production worksheets and waste log sheets
- taste completed meals to ensure quality
- train kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on company and regulatory standards
- establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage, and work areas
- ensure adherence to schedules by kitchen staff
- maintain inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines
- make decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products within company guidelines
- comply with federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations
- follow facility, department, and company safety policies and procedure
- participate and attend departmental meetings, staff development and professional programs as appropriate
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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