DISTRICT ENGAGEMENT CHEF - K12 FOOD SERVICE - SPRINGFIELD, MA

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Compass Group USA's Chartwells K12 unit in Springfield, MA seeks a District Engagement Chef to lead school dining programs with culinary creativity and strict safety standards. You will oversee menu development, staff training, and daily kitchen operations to deliver high-quality meals district-wide.

The ideal candidate has hands-on chef experience, strong leadership, and knowledge of food safety, cost control, and compliance requirements in institutional settings.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on kitchen leadership and staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experience in catering or large-scale food service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards; adheres to portioning and presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
• Establishes cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Manages inventory, optimizing usage and ensuring vital products are available.
• Ensures health and sanitation regulations compliance through audits and procedures.
• Participates in departmental meetings and staff development activities.
• Performs other duties to support dining service operations.

Skills

Hands-on chef experience

Strong leadership

Food safety knowledge

Budgeting / cost control

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent in culinary arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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DISTRICT ENGAGEMENT CHEF - K12 FOOD SERVICE - SPRINGFIELD, MA

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Chartwells K12 is hring an Executive Chef for our premiere K12 school district located in SPRINGFIELD, MA . A successful candidate will lead kitchen operations with creativity and precision while encouraging a safe and sanitary work environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a multifaceted, entrepreneurial culinary leader to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
• Establishes andmaintainsdetailed cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Handles inventory of food and supplies,optimizingutilizationwhile ensuring vital products are readily available.
• Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
• Activelyparticipatesin departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to keep abreast of industry trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’sdegreehighly desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
• Three plus years of culinary/kitchen managementexperience, (with catering experience preferred).
• Shown success in complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
• Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by extensive knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proficiencyin computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
• Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
• ServSafecertification is highly desirable, highlighting a dedication to food safety.

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.

At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position.

While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.