Salary: $85,000 - $95,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental & VIsion insurance, 401K, PTO

Job Summary

Are you an innovative culinary professional with boundless energy and a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences? Chartwells at KIPP Public Schools in Houston is seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead one of the largest and most impactful K-12 culinary programs in the region. This is more than a food service leadership role-it's an opportunity to influence the daily experience of 22,000 students across 14 campuses, using creativity, quality, and collaboration to make every meal meaningful.

Reporting to the Resident District Manager, you'll serve as the culinary driving force behind a complex operation that includes 32 feeding locations and 3 commissary kitchens. You'll lead and inspire a talented team of 3 Sous Chefs while partnering with a strong support team that includes an Assistant Director, Administrative Assistant, and Training & Compliance Director. Together, you'll cultivate a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while guiding up to 166 Chartwells associates toward a shared mission of delivering outstanding food and service.

We're looking for a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in high-volume environments, embraces fresh ideas, and enjoys developing people as much as developing menus. If you're passionate about transforming school dining, building high-performing teams, and making a lasting impact on students and communities, this is your chance to lead a premier operation where your culinary expertise will be seen, valued, and celebrated every day.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
• Establishes and maintains thorough cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available.
• Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Associate's degree highly desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience.
• Proven success in high-volume, complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
• Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by extensive knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
• Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighting a commitment to food safety.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Associates at Chartwells K-12are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID:

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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