Director, K-12 Culinary Innovation

Compass Group USA; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K

PTO

Job summary

Chartwells K-12, part of Compass Group USA, is seeking a Director of Culinary Operations in Jacksonville, FL. The role leads culinary development, menu strategy, and program implementation across multiple locations within a large K-12 portfolio.

The position requires strategic leadership, deep culinary knowledge, budget understanding, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams in high-volume environments. Extensive travel may be needed; equity-friendly benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience in high volume, complex service and catering operations.
• Minimum of two years of menu development.
• Knowledge of budgets, food and labor costs, inventory controls.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international cuisines and catering trends.
• Thorough understanding of food equipment and safety standards.
• Strong organizational, leadership, coaching and training skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and work demands.
• Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask.
• Ability to travel extensively.
• Capable of representing the Company in food service industry events and public relations appearances.
• Strong computer skills; including MS office, recipe management and nutrition programs

Responsibilities

• Serves as Department Head to provide leadership and set standards of culinary excellence.
• Works with Division leadership in planning, implementing and supporting new food concepts or programs at their locations.
• Develops and mentors senior chefs in various Company divisions and geographical regions.
• Creates training opportunities for chefs and managers through manufacturer and vendor resources and sharing / promoting internal best practices.
• Stays current with market trends and customer demands.
• Participates in and attends trade shows and continuing education opportunities.
• Plans menus for daily offerings, seasonal or limited time specials, daily and special event catering for a wide variety of locations and applications.
• Contributes expertise in kitchen and servery design and / or remodeling projects.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary development

Menu development

Budgeting

Food safety

Communication

Travel

MS Office

Education

Degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

MS Office

Recipe management

Nutrition programs

Job description

Chartwells K-12, part of Compass Group USA, is seeking a Director of Culinary Operations in Jacksonville, FL. The role leads culinary development, menu strategy, and program implementation across multiple locations within a large K-12 portfolio.

The position requires strategic leadership, deep culinary knowledge, budget understanding, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams in high-volume environments. Extensive travel may be needed; equity-friendly benefits are included.