EXECUTIVE CHEF (Catering / Concessions) - K12 Pike TS MSD, Indianapolis, IN

Chartwells School Dining Services K12; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance/ Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Job summary

Chartwells K12 is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations, catering, and concessions for our partnership with Pike Township Schools in Indianapolis, IN, serving 16 schools and over 10,000 students.

This hands-on leader will drive menu development, food quality, safety, and cost controls while mentoring two Sous Chefs, engaging with students and staff, and overseeing a $300,000 annual catering and concessions program.

Qualifications

• Bachelors / Associates degree in culinary arts highly desired or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, with catering experience preferred.
• Experience in high-volume, institutional foodservice operations.
• Hands-on chef experience with emphasis on quality, sanitation, cost control and presentation.
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Office and email systems.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable.
• Willingness to engage in client satisfaction programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops regular and specialty menus for K12 standards and adherence to portioning/presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food prep, equipment operation and safety.
• Establishes cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment/work areas.
• Manages inventory and ensures vital products are available.
• Ensures health/sanitation regulations are followed; participates in audits.
• Participates in meetings and staff development; stays current on industry trends.
• Performs other duties to support dining service operations.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary management

Menu development

Cost control

Customer service

Communication

Food safety & sanitation

Education

Culinary degree (Bachelor’s/Associate)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chartwells K12

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, PTO, 401K

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.

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Job Summary

SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE!

Chartwells K12 is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations, catering, and concessions for our partnership with Pike Township Schools in Indianapolis, IN. Supporting 16 schools and more than 10,000 students, this high-visibility leadership role is responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences while overseeing menu development, food quality, safety, and operational excellence across the district. The position also leads a $300,000 annual catering and concessions program, including a variety of high-profile events and catered functions.

We're looking for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives on building relationships, developing talent, and creating memorable food experiences. The ideal candidate will bring strong culinary expertise, outstanding customer service skills, and the ability to lead and inspire a unionized team, including providing oversight and mentorship to two Sous Chefs, while serving as a visible and engaging partner to students, staff, and the broader school community

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 and maintains detailed cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available.
• Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors / Associates degree in culinary arts highly desired or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, with catering experience preferred.
• Shown success in high-volume, sophisticated 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.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
• Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighting a dedication to food safety.

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
• Dental
• 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
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Chartwells K12