EXECUTIVE CHEF - K12 FOOD SERVICE - SPRINGFIELD, MA

Chartwells K12 is a leading food service provider dedicated to enhancing students' dining experiences across thousands of schools throughout the United States. As a division of Compass Group USA, one of the world’s largest foodservice companies, Chartwells K12 specializes in creating custom dining programs for K-12 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools. With over 16,000 associates operating in approximately 4,500 educational facilities, Chartwells K12 combines decades of expertise in food, education, operations, nutrition, wellness, culinary arts, and sustainability. This extensive background enables them to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that kids love, ensuring they leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than when they arrived. The company's commitment extends beyond just food service to include wellness and sustainability initiatives, creating a positive impact on school communities across the country. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

The role of Kitchen Manager at Chartwells K12 involves overseeing daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe meal preparation consistent with the company’s corporate programs and nutritional guidelines. This position is vital in supporting the mission of providing customized, kid-friendly, nutritious meals to students in diverse school environments. The Kitchen Manager will be responsible for planning both regular and modified menus, ensuring meals meet established quality and nutritional standards. In addition to meal planning, this role requires training kitchen staff in proper food preparation techniques, food safety, sanitation, and the safe operation of kitchen equipment in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

The Kitchen Manager maintains strict adherence to federal, state, and local health regulations, ensuring that foodservice operations not only meet but exceed sanitation and safety requirements. This includes overseeing cleaning and maintenance schedules for all kitchen equipment, storage, and work areas to maintain a hygienic and efficient kitchen environment. Inventory management is also a critical responsibility, requiring the Kitchen Manager to balance food and non-food supplies, ensuring availability while controlling costs in alignment with budgetary guidelines.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $55,000 to $65,000 annually, reflecting the specialized skills and experience required. Chartwells K12 supports its associates with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and various other wellness and employee support programs.

In this role, effective leadership, culinary expertise, and operational management are crucial to driving success. The Kitchen Manager must be proficient with technology, including Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet tools, to handle administrative duties and documentation. Previous experience working in high-volume, complex foodservice operations is highly desirable, and ServSafe certification is considered a significant asset. Overall, the Kitchen Manager will play a pivotal role in nurturing an environment where students have access to delicious, safe, and nourishing meals every day.