Executive Chef K-12 Schools

Sodexo; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 82,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) Plan with Matching

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Career Growth Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is hiring an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for Providence Public School District, driving menu innovation, production excellence, and team development for a large K-12 program serving thousands of meals daily.

The role requires USDA school nutrition experience, strong leadership, and a track record of elevating food quality and operational standards in a regulated environment. Pay range is $81,685 to $105,710 per year.

Qualifications

• USDA school nutrition program experience preferred.
• Experience leading high-volume kitchens with diverse menus.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead streamlined culinary systems to boost consistency and efficiency.
• Inspire and mentor a diverse culinary team and foster professional growth.
• Oversee procurement and purchasing for quality ingredients and cost control.
• Design menus balancing creativity, nutrition, and client needs.
• Drive innovative culinary ideas aligned with client preferences.
• Cultivate strong client relationships through exceptional service.
• Shape culinary strategy and pursue continuous improvement across the operation.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

High-volume production

Food quality

Labor management

Inventory control

Purchasing

HACCP

ServSafe

Team mentoring

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Join Sodexo as Executive Chef for Providence Public School District, leading culinary operations, menu innovation, production excellence, and team development for a large, complex K-12 dining program serving nutritious meals to thousands of students daily

The ideal candidate brings proven success within USDA-regulated school nutrition programs, a passion for culinary excellence, and the leadership skills to elevate food quality, strengthen operations, and create exceptional dining experiences.

About the job

Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.

Pay Range: $81685 - $105710

What's in it for you

Make a meaningful impact on the Providence community by shaping the dining experience for students while leading a talented culinary team dedicated to nutrition, wellness, innovation, and exceptional service.

Enjoy a career that supports work-life balance with school-focused scheduling, comprehensive benefits beginning on day one, paid time off, competitive compensation, and opportunities for advancement within Sodexo's global organization.

• Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
• Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
• Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
• Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
• Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
• Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.

What you'll bring

Extensive culinary leadership experience with responsibility for menu development, high-volume production, food quality, labor management, inventory control, purchasing, and the successful leadership of diverse culinary teams.

Knowledge of USDA school meal requirements, food safety, HACCP principles, and regulatory compliance, combined with outstanding communication, relationship-building, coaching, and organizational skills that drive results.

• Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
• Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
• ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 1-3 years
• Related Experience: 1-3 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs

• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.