Nutrition Services Executive Chef

Adams 12 Five Star Schools is a school district located in Thornton, Colorado, committed to fostering a community rooted in excellence, equity, and inclusion. The district prioritizes student success and works diligently to eliminate disparities in achievement, ensuring every student has access to quality educational opportunities. With a dedication to supporting every student, every day, in every classroom, Adams 12 Five Star Schools encourages candidates who share this vision and are committed to advancing equity and excellence to apply. The district supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and aims to empower its staff with comprehensive resources and professional development opportunities. Adams 12 Five Star Schools offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its employees. This commitment extends to providing an environment that promotes health, growth, and financial security for all staff members.

The Nutrition Services Executive Chef role within Adams 12 Five Star Schools is a full-time, 12-month position based at the Educational Support Center in Thornton, CO. This role carries a salary range at Level 9, starting at $67,020, with a midpoint of $82,740, and a maximum of $98,461, reflecting the candidate's experience and qualifications. As the Nutrition Services Executive Chef, you will be responsible for the development of new menus and recipes that are served across all school kitchens in the district. A key focus is on creating nutritious meals that comply with USDA guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs while emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients to maintain high-quality standards and fiscal responsibility. The position requires culinary creativity and leadership in collaborating with the Menu Coordinator to plan cycle menus that meet nutritional standards and budgetary constraints.

The Executive Chef oversees the daily operations of the central kitchen, including staff training, mentorship, supervision, and performance evaluation. You will play a critical role in maintaining food quality, safety, and compliance with local health department standards and federal and state regulations. The role demands active engagement with kitchen staff and school sites to ensure meals are prepared safely, meet quality expectations, and are well received by students. Additionally, you will monitor inventory, ensure proper food storage and rotation, and maintain accurate health logs. The Executive Chef will provide culinary training, demonstrations, and leadership to kitchen staff, managers, substitutes, and visitors to uphold the nutrition services department’s standards. The ability to respond promptly to operational issues and participate in daily production in the central kitchen as needed is essential. Serving as a liaison with distribution representatives, district stakeholders, and local food suppliers, you will help align nutrition services with organizational goals. This role is pivotal in supporting Adams 12’s mission to elevate student success by ensuring nutritious, appealing, and safe meals are consistently delivered to all students across the district.