District Chef Needed for School Food Service

Maschio's Food Services, Inc.; Vernon (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Maschio's Food Service Inc. in New Jersey seeks an experienced District Chef to lead culinary operations across multiple school locations, guiding menu development, quality, safety, and staff training.

The role requires strong leadership, catering oversight, travel between sites, and a commitment to NSLP guidelines, with ServSafe certification and K-12 school food service experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Professional culinary experience required.
• Previous catering experience required.
• K-12 school food service experience preferred.
• ServSafe certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead menu development and culinary innovation across locations.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, safety, and presentation.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute catering events district-wide.
• Oversee kitchen operations and manage inventory.
• Train and lead kitchen staff across sites.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Staff training

Education

ServSafe Certification

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, creative, and motivated District Chef to lead culinary operations across multiple school locations within the district. This individual will play an important role in menu development, culinary innovation, food quality, staff training, and daily kitchen operations.

The ideal candidate is passionate about food, enjoys developing new menu ideas, and has the leadership skills to train and support kitchen teams while maintaining high standards for food quality, presentation, and safety.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time position
• Monday–Friday
• Occasional evenings and weekends required for catering events
• Travel between school locations within the district required

Key Responsibilities:

Menu Development & Culinary Innovation

• Develop creative and appealing menu items while adhering to National School Lunch Program (NSLP) guidelines and school nutrition requirements.
• Introduce new recipes, menu concepts, and food preparation techniques.
• Promote variety, quality, and student appeal while maintaining nutritional and program standards.

Food Quality & Presentation

• Establish and maintain high standards for food preparation, taste, quality, and presentation.
• Ensure consistency across school locations.
• Monitor food production and presentation to ensure meals meet established standards.

Catering & Special Events

• Plan, coordinate, and execute catering events throughout the district.
• Develop catering menus and oversee food preparation and presentation.
• Ensure proper staffing, production, and service for special events.

Kitchen Operations & Efficiency

• Oversee culinary operations and support efficient kitchen workflows.
• Coordinate food ordering and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Conduct monthly inventory reviews..
• Ensure proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain safe, clean, and sanitary working environments at all locations.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Professional culinary experience required.
• Previous catering experience required.
• Experience with satellite kitchen preparation and meal production required.
• ServSafe® Certification required.
• K-12 school food service experience preferred.
• NSLP experience a plus.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, food safety, and presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to train, lead, and develop kitchen staff.
• Creative approach to menu development and culinary innovation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Must be willing to travel between school locations within the district.
• Must be able to obtain all required clearances and documentation to work in a school environment.
• Culinary skills assessment or chef testing may be required as part of the interview process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.