Chef Manager: Lead School Dining & Nutrition Programs

Compass Group USA; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Career growth

Job summary

Flik Independent School Dining is seeking a Chef Manager to lead culinary and food service operations for a school dining program, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction. The role blends hands-on kitchen leadership with administrative duties such as inventory control, cost management, staff supervision, and compliance.

A culinary degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining, or high-volume settings.
• Strong leadership, cost control, and menu development skills.
• Knowledge of local, sustainable ingredients and food safety regulations.
• Proficiency with HACCP standards and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with payroll, scheduling, and front/back-of-house operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations, production, menu planning, and food presentation.
• Oversee inventory, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Manage staffing, onboarding, scheduling, and performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with health regulations and food safety policies.
• Partner with school administration for events and student programs.

Skills

Culinary leadership

People management

Menu development

Budgeting & P&L

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Flik Independent School Dining is seeking a Chef Manager to lead culinary and food service operations for a school dining program, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction. The role blends hands-on kitchen leadership with administrative duties such as inventory control, cost management, staff supervision, and compliance.

A culinary degree or equivalent experience is preferred.