Head Chef-Kitchen Manager

Dallas, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive salary

School-year schedule

Paid training

Supportive management team

growth opportunities

Job Description

Crave-It Nutrition is a leading Texas-based food service company dedicated to providing wholesome, nutritious meals across more than 65 locations. Specializing in school food service programs, Crave-It Nutrition emphasizes delivering high-quality, scratch-cooked meals that prioritize whole-food ingredients and cater to diverse dietary needs. Committed to excellence, the company partners with educational institutions to build trusted nutrition programs that support healthy student development while fostering community engagement and satisfaction. With a supportive regional management structure and robust operational systems, Crave-It Nutrition offers its employees a collaborative environment filled with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community.

This role is specifically designed for a skilled and mission-driven Kitchen Manager and Head Chef to lead the food service program at Christ the King Catholic School. As a high-visibility, high-impact leadership position, the Kitchen Manager and Head Chef will be the face of the kitchen program, responsible for serving students and earning the trust of nutrition-conscious parents. The ideal candidate is a culinary professional who combines humility, servant leadership, and genuine pride in preparing wholesome meals for children daily. The role demands managing and supervising a small team of cooks and servers, ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently, cleanly, and in full compliance with health regulations and company standards. The Kitchen Manager will design and execute rotating menus that cater to students' nutritional needs, dietary restrictions, and preferences while balancing budget constraints.

Beyond kitchen operations, the position involves cultivating strong parent and community relations by addressing questions and sharing information with a warm and professional demeanor. Administration tasks such as inventory management, waste reduction, participation tracking, and compliance documentation are essential to ensure the program's smooth and safe operation. The position requires a commitment to thorough training, including food handler certification and adherence to diocesan Safe Environment Training requirements.

The work schedule aligns with the school year, averaging 6 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday, with potential summer opportunities. Competitive salary compensation is based on experience, reflecting the significance of the role within the Crave-It Nutrition team. This opportunity is ideal for culinary professionals who see food service as more than a job but as a calling to support children's health and well-being within a faith-based educational environment. Candidates who demonstrate reliability, leadership by example, and a passion for community-based nutrition are encouraged to apply early for an August onboarding date.

Job Requirements

minimum 10 years culinary and kitchen management experience
hands-on cooking skills
team supervision experience
ordering and inventory control expertise
ability to create scratch-cooked menus for large groups
strong interpersonal skills with parent communities
proven reliability and punctuality
servant-leader mindset
ability to pass a criminal background check
willingness to complete Safe Environment Training
current Food Manager's Certificate or ability to obtain
physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Job Qualifications

minimum 10 years of professional culinary and kitchen management experience, including hands-on cooking, team supervision, ordering, and inventory control
demonstrated ability to create scratch-cooked, high-quality menus for large groups
strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly the ability to engage diplomatically and professionally with opinionated parent communities
proven reliability and punctuality
servant-leader mindset with pride in serving others and setting standards by example
ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check
willingness to complete Safe Environment Training as required by the Diocese
current Food Manager's Certificate or ability to obtain prior to start date
physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
experience in school food service, childcare food programs, or institutional cooking is preferred
knowledge of common childhood food allergies and experience managing allergen-safe kitchen protocols is preferred
bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred
experience with food cost management and menu engineering is preferred

Job Duties

lead, schedule, and supervise a team of 2-3 cooks and servers, fostering a positive and accountable kitchen culture
oversee all daily kitchen operations, including opening and closing procedures, food prep timelines, and service execution
maintain a clean, organized, and fully compliant kitchen environment in accordance with local health codes and company standards
ensure punctual meal delivery and smooth service for all students and staff
design and execute a rotating school lunch menu prioritizing high-quality, whole-food ingredients with broad student appeal
source ingredients thoughtfully, balancing nutritional standards, dietary needs, and budget parameters
continuously evaluate and improve menu offerings based on student feedback, participation data, and nutritional guidelines
demonstrate creativity and culinary skill in daily food preparation by cooking alongside the team
serve as the primary contact for parent questions, concerns, and feedback regarding the food service program
communicate professionally, warmly, and respectfully with parents on nutrition, ingredient sourcing, and food quality
proactively share menu information, ingredient sourcing practices, and allergen details with the school community
partner with school administration to communicate program updates, special menus, and promotional events
manage daily food inventory, ordering, and waste reduction
track participation numbers and adjust production accordingly to minimize food waste
maintain accurate records for food safety logs, temperature checks, and receiving documentation
complete all required onboarding, food handler certification, and compliance training