District Chef

SFE- Southwest Foodservice Excellence; Livingston (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options

Paid time off

Wellness tools and EAP

Job summary

SFE- Southwest Foodservice Excellence is seeking a kitchen leader to oversee school foodservice culinary production, ensuring meals meet district standards and nutritional goals.

The role emphasizes menu planning, cost control, HACCP compliance, staff training, and collaboration with the Cafeteria Manager. A High School diploma is required, with associates or bachelor’s degrees preferred and at least 3 years of back-of-house experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Associates in Culinary Arts or Bachelor's in Food & Nutrition/Foodservice Management preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of back-of-house food & beverage operations; school foodservice experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain a food-handler card within two weeks of hire.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Suite.
• Credential requirements to meet district and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Culinary production — Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and district requirements.
• Menu planning — Create cost-effective, appealing, nutritionally balanced student menus and enter data into the nutrition-analysis program.
• Kitchen operations — Place food and supply orders with cost-control measures; ensure HACCP and health regulations compliance.
• Staff oversight — Train cooks in food safety, HACCP, food cost, techniques, and presentation; supervise staff.
• Program support — Collaborate with Cafeteria Manager on quality standards; complete required reports by deadline.
• Education & credentials — Meet district and regulatory food-safety requirements.

Skills

Culinary proficiency

Food safety HACCP

Budgeting cost control

Staff training supervision

Microsoft Office basics

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate's in Culinary Arts

Bachelor's in Food & Nutrition/Foodservice Management

Tools

Nutrition analysis program

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Ready to change the world? At SFE, we are fueling students to take on their school day one meal at a time, and we need YOU to help bring those healthy, great tasting meals to their plates every day. We are passionate about delicious food, creating a customized experience for each of our districts and schools, bringing innovation to the table and being compassionate leaders to our teams. If you're looking for a career that can truly make an impact on a child's day, we want to meet you!

Fuel our school with fresh ideas and flavorful menus that are healthy, affordable, and loved by students, staff, and parents alike. Guide our kitchen crew with ongoing training in food safety, smart budgeting, culinary skills, and standout presentation. You will report to the General Manager.

You Will

• Culinary Production — Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes, production records, and district requirements; develop new recipes and conduct student taste‑testing.
• Menu Planning — Create cost‑effective, appealing, nutritionally balanced student menus and enter all menu data into the nutrition‑analysis program.
• Kitchen Operations — Place food and supply orders aligned with cost‑control measures; ensure compliance with HACCP, food‑safety protocols, and all local and company health regulations.
• Staff Oversight — Train cooks in food safety, HACCP, food cost, cooking techniques, and presentation; supervise and evaluate assigned employees.
• Program Support — Collaborate with the Cafeteria Manager on quality standards; complete required reports by deadline; perform additional assigned duties.
• Education Requirements — High School Diploma/GED required; Associate's in Culinary Arts or Bachelor's in Food & Nutrition/Foodservice Management strongly preferred.
• Culinary & Foodservice Experience — Minimum 3 years of back‑of‑house food and beverage operations; prior school foodservice experience preferred.
• Cost & Safety Expertise — Demonstrated experience with budgeting and food‑cost control; knowledge of food‑safety standards and HACCP procedures; ability to obtain a food‑handler card within two weeks of hire.
• Technical Skills — Culinary proficiency required; basic cooking and cleaning skills; basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite.
• Credential Requirements — Ability to meet all district and regulatory requirements related to food safety and operational compliance.

Compensation

$50,000

Key SFE (Southwest Foodservice Excellence) Benefits

At SFE, we believe great work starts with great people. That's why we offer Monday–Friday, day‑shift schedules, competitive pay, and a benefits package designed to support your life — both at work and at home.

Eligible employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a 401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options, employer‑contributed Health Savings Accounts, and access to wellness tools like Telemedicine and an Employee Assistance Program. We also offer employee discounts and flexible options when life changes.

If you're looking for stability, work‑life balance, and a company that truly invests in its people, SFE may be the perfect fit.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled and participates with E-Verify Employment Eligibility Program