Chef Manager - Lead Fresh, Seasonal School Dining

Compass Group USA; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Flik Independent School Dining in Dayton, OH is seeking a Chef Manager to lead culinary and food service operations, upholding high standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

The role combines hands-on kitchen leadership with admin tasks like inventory, cost control, payroll, and staff development. Ideal candidate has 3+ years in culinary management, strong P&L skills, and a passion for scratch cooking and seasonal ingredients.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining, hospitality, or high-volume restaurant environments.
• Strong understanding of P&L management and experience in a contract-managed service environment preferred.
• Proven expertise in menu development, production planning, cost control, and inventory management.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, sustainability practices, and food safety regulations.
• Experience with exhibition cooking and engaging with guests in a customer-focused environment.
• Strong team leadership and performance management skills, including conducting performance evaluations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of culinary operations, including production, menu planning, food preparation, presentation, and sanitation.
• Manage full food service operations, including inventory control, ordering, receiving, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP standards, health regulations, and company food safety policies.
• Collaborate with the dining team to develop innovative menus that emphasize fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.
• Maintain P&L accountability, oversee food and labor costs, and contribute to financial reporting and forecasting.
• Lead all hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management for frontline staff.
• Train, mentor, and coach culinary and service teams to uphold service standards and culinary excellence.
• Ensure attention to detail across front- and back-of-house operations, including cleanliness, signage, menu displays, and pricing.
• Support and execute catering functions, special events, and guest dining experiences.
• Oversee administrative functions including staff payroll, invoicing, weekly reporting, and month-end reporting.
• Champion a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Skills

Culinary management

P&L management

Menu development

Cost control

Inventory management

Staff leadership

Food safety

Sustainability practices

Training and coaching

Vendor relationships

Microsoft Excel

Education

Culinary degree

ServSafe Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Flik Independent School Dining in Dayton, OH is seeking a Chef Manager to lead culinary and food service operations, upholding high standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

The role combines hands-on kitchen leadership with admin tasks like inventory, cost control, payroll, and staff development. Ideal candidate has 3+ years in culinary management, strong P&L skills, and a passion for scratch cooking and seasonal ingredients.