Join Sodexo as an Area Executive Chef for K-12 Schools, supporting districts across the West Region. Based in Oregon, Washington, or Northern California, you'll drive culinary excellence, innovation, training, and operational success across the region.
Make a regional impact on student dining and school nutrition programs. Partner with district leaders to elevate food quality, strengthen menu offerings, support culinary teams, and advance best practices across a diverse portfolio.
About the jobStep into a high-impact culinary leadership role where your expertise will shape operations across large or multi-unit environments. You'll drive innovation in menu creation, coach and develop top-tier talent, and elevate standards through hands-on training and strategic support.
The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.
Pay Range: $100130 - $129580
What's in it for youExpand your reach beyond a single district and support diverse K-12 programs across the West. This role offers the opportunity to influence menus, strengthen operations, solve challenges, and share best practices across multiple accounts.
Enjoy a dynamic mix of travel, collaboration, coaching, and hands-on culinary leadership. No two days are the same as you partner with teams throughout the region to elevate food quality and student dining experiences.
- Lead culinary operations at scale, supporting diverse teams across complex, high- volume accounts.
- Bring creativity to life through hands-on recipe development, menu planning, and culinary production.
- Strengthen operational performance through plate costing, inventory control, and expert use of culinary management systems.
- Serve as a mentor and trainer, advancing food safety, FMS best practices, and culinary standards.
- Play a key role in recruiting and developing strong culinary talent across multiple locations.
- Use your systems knowledge to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.
- Represent the brand with confidence in client-facing presentations, new program launches, and retention efforts.
What you'll bring Strong K-12 culinary leadership experience with expertise in USDA program requirements, school nutrition operations, menu development, food cost management, and supporting multiple locations or complex organizations.
A passion for serving students, mentoring culinary talent, and driving innovation. ServSafe certified with strong communication, technology, and leadership skills to support teams across a geographically diverse region.
- Extensive culinary management experience in high-volume or multi-unit operations, with a proven ability to lead complex teams and deliver consistent results.
- Deep expertise in menu planning, plate costing, and recipe development, with a sharp eye for culinary trends and innovation.
- Technical skills and proficiency in culinary systems (e.g., FMS), along with exceptional organization and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to create processes, drive efficiency, and solve problems independently.
- ServSafe certification and working knowledge of HACCP, with a commitment to upholding the highest food safety standards.
Requirements- Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 5 years
- Related Experience: 3 years
What we offerCompensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
