Executive Chef, Central Kitchen Leader

Inglewood Unified School District; Inglewood (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Inglewood Unified School District seeks an Executive Chef to lead the culinary and operational development of the Central Kitchen, transforming the school meal experience for students across the District.

The ideal candidate will combine culinary excellence with strong systems, budgeting, staff development, and compliance with Child Nutrition Programs to deliver nutritious, culturally responsive meals at scale.

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership experience in large-scale food service, preferably in public schools.
• Experience in developing and implementing district-wide menus and recipes.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local child nutrition regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in planning, organizing, and improving Central Kitchen operations.
• Lead the implementation and startup of the district's Central Kitchen and production systems.
• Develop districtwide menus, recipes, production schedules, and quality standards.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, budgeting, and vendor relationships.
• Develop catering services and special-event food operations.

Skills

High-volume food production

Batch cooking

Food safety and sanitation

Staff leadership and development

Menu development

Budgeting and cost control

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts or related field

Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts / Food Service Management / Hospitality / Nutrition

Tools

ServSafe Manager Certification

Job description

Inglewood Unified School District seeks an Executive Chef to lead the culinary and operational development of the Central Kitchen, transforming the school meal experience for students across the District.

The ideal candidate will combine culinary excellence with strong systems, budgeting, staff development, and compliance with Child Nutrition Programs to deliver nutritious, culturally responsive meals at scale.