EXECUTIVE CHEF II - K12 FOOD SERVICE POTENTIAL NEW BUSINESS - HACKENSACK, NJ

Compass Group; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in food service is seeking an Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations in a K-12 setting. This role involves ensuring a safe and sanitary environment, planning menus, and training kitchen staff. Ideal candidates will have a strong culinary background with a focus on quality and compliance with health regulations. Join a team dedicated to making students' dining experiences enjoyable and healthy, while working in a dynamic and supportive environment that values your contributions.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Wellness Programs

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Discount Programs

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience.
• Hands-on chef experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring a safe, sanitary environment.
• Plan menus and manage inventory of food and supplies.

Skills

Culinary Management

Food Safety

Menu Planning

Staff Training

Inventory Management

ServSafe Certification

Education

A.S. Degree or Equivalent Experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Chartwells K12

Position Title: EXECUTIVE CHEF II - K12 FOOD SERVICE POTENTIAL NEW BUSINESS - HACKENSACK, NJ

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000

Chartwells K12 aims to make students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier by serving appealing food and creating customized dining programs. With over 16,000 associates across 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small private and charter schools, we bring decades of experience in food, education, and operations, supported by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. More information can be found at www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee kitchen operations ensuring a safe, sanitary environment for staff. You will prepare or supervise meal preparation following corporate standards for a potential K-12 school district in Hackensack, NJ. This role is ideal for an energetic, entrepreneurial culinary professional.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Plan menus according to established guidelines, including regular and modified options.
2. Follow standardized recipes, portioning, and presentation standards. Complete daily production worksheets and waste logs. Taste meals to ensure quality.
3. Train kitchen staff in food preparation, safety, equipment operation, and sanitation according to company and regulatory standards.
4. Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas, ensuring adherence by staff.
5. Manage inventory of food and supplies within guidelines, ensuring necessary stock is available.
6. Decide on the utilization of leftover food products, staying within company policies.
7. Ensure compliance with health and sanitation regulations through audits.
8. Follow safety policies and report occurrences as needed.
9. Participate in departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal training.
• Extensive catering experience is a plus.
• Experience in high-volume, complex foodservice operations preferred.
• Institutional and batch cooking experience.
• Hands-on chef experience is essential.
• Knowledge of current food and catering trends, focusing on quality, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and internet applications.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable.

Apply today to Chartwells Schools!

Chartwells Schools is part of Compass Group USA.

Learn more about the Compass story.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fair treatment regardless of race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected classifications.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform essential functions satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations. We reserve the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted continuously.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off, Holidays
• Shopping, Wellness, and Discount Programs
• Identity Theft and Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance, FSA, Paid Parental, and Personal Leave

For positions in specific states or remote work, click here for paid time off benefits information.