EXECUTIVE CHEF

Compass Group USA; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Flik Independent School Dining, a member of Compass Group USA, seeks an Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations, ensure a safe, sanitary environment, and align meals with corporate programs and guidelines in a school dining setting. You will plan menus, train staff, uphold health regulations, manage inventories, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver nutritious, appealing meals across campuses.

This role requires hands-on leadership, strong culinary skills, and a commitment to quality,

Qualifications

• A.S. or equivalent experience required.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management in high-volume settings.
• High-volume, complex foodservice operations experience preferred.
• Hands-on chef with strong food safety and sanitation knowledge.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ability to manage menus and cost controls.
• ServSafe certified is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safety, and equipment operation.
• Maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and areas.
• Manages inventory and ensures product availability.
• Ensures compliance with health regulations and audits.
• Participates in departmental meetings and professional development.

Skills

Hands-on chef experience

High-volume kitchen management

5+ years experience

Food safety knowledge

Culinary program development

Computer proficiency

Client satisfaction programs

ServSafe certification

Education

A.S. or equivalent experience

Tools

ServSafe certified

Job description

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Flik Independent School Dining has been leading the way in transforming private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities for over four decades. Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice experiences every single time. Our meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our communities. But we don't stop at just foodservice – we take it to the next level by offering cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make smart, healthy choices daily. By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential tools they need to lead a healthy and thriving life. We believe in nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and doing what’s right, every time.

We are Nourishing a Brighter Future.

Job Summary

Job Summary:

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
• Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
• Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
• Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
• Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
• Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
• Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
• Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences
• Hands-on chef experience a must
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
• ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Flik Independent School Dining is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Flik Independent School Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.

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.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Flik Independent School Dinning maintains a drug-free workplace.