Executive Chef - Pipeline/Potential New Business -

Flik Independent School Dining has established itself as a leader in transforming private and independent school foodservice for over four decades, serving more than 300 communities. As a division of Compass Group USA, one of the world’s largest foodservice companies, Flik Independent School Dining is dedicated to providing exceptional foodservice experiences tailored specifically for K-12 private and independent schools. The company’s philosophy centers on nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and consistently doing what’s right. They emphasize the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which supports sustainable agricultural practices that benefit local communities. Beyond foodservice, Flik promotes cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make healthy and informed food choices daily, equipping them with lifelong skills for wellness.

The Executive Chef role at Flik Independent School Dining is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing all culinary operations at a private or independent K-12 school. With a salary range of $70,000 to $75,000 per year, the Executive Chef will lead a team of culinary associates to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals to the school community. The position requires strong leadership, culinary innovation, and a dedication to food safety and service excellence. The Executive Chef is tasked with menu planning, food preparation, recipe development, and the execution of service, ensuring the highest standards in nutrition, taste, and presentation are achieved. They will manage food and labor costs, maintain budget compliance, and implement cost control strategies—all vital to the successful operation of the kitchen.

Additionally, this role involves purchasing food and kitchen supplies, managing vendor relationships, and maintaining accurate inventory levels. The Executive Chef enforces all food safety, sanitation, and allergy protocols in accordance with HACCP standards, ensuring a safe dining environment for students and staff. They are also responsible for recruiting, training, and mentoring culinary team members, cultivating a culture of safety, continuous learning, and excellence. Collaboration with marketing and culinary teams is key to launching seasonal menus and promotional programs that enrich the dining experience. The Executive Chef supports special events and catering functions to provide high-quality food and flawless execution. Coordination with the Director of Dining includes engaging in performance management and conducting annual reviews for culinary associates.

This role is ideal for an individual who holds a culinary degree or similar professional training and brings 3-5 years of dynamic culinary management experience, preferably in high-volume foodservice or catering settings. The preferred candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to control food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards, backed by strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Experience with scratch cooking, menu innovation, and staff development is highly valued, along with a passion for food quality, safety, and crafting exceptional dining experiences. Proficiency in kitchen operations software and Microsoft Office Suite is expected, and ServSafe certification is preferred.

Flik Independent School Dining offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holiday time off (varying by site/state), and other programs designed to support associates' wellness and work-life balance. They foster an inclusive work environment committed to equal opportunity employment and fairness in hiring practices, valuing diversity and compliance with applicable laws. This role contributes to Flik’s mission of nourishing a brighter future by positively impacting students’ health and well-being through food and education.