EXECUTIVE CHEF - Lowell Area School, MI

Compass Group USA; Lowell (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells K12, part of Compass Group USA, seeks an enthusiastic Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across six Lowell Area Schools serving roughly 3,000 students in Lowell, MI. You will supervise a 34-member team, drive food quality, teach staff, and ensure food safety compliance while delivering engaging dining experiences.

This hands-on leadership role focuses on planning, innovation, training, and supporting multiple accounts with signature programs like Mood Boost, Global Eats,

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in culinary arts or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years of culinary/kitchen management experience.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Develops regular and specialty menus for K12 standards with portioning/presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
• Maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Manages inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization.
• Ensures health and sanitation regulations adherence and participates in audits.
• Participates in meetings and professional programs to stay current on trends.
• Performs other duties to support dining services operations.

Skills

Culinary/kitchen management

Team leadership

MS Office

Education

Associate’s degree in culinary arts

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO

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.

Job Summary

Executive Chef
Chartwells K12 | Compass Group USA
Lowell Area Schools | Lowell, MI

Ready to bring creativity, energy, and great food to the next generation? Chartwells K12 is seeking an enthusiastic Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across six schools serving approximately 3,000 students in Lowell Area Schools. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services and partnering closely with the Assistant Director, you'll be the driving force behind food quality, team development, and memorable dining experiences. As part of a trusted partnership spanning more than 30 years, you'll spend time in schools coaching and supporting a team of 34 associates, ensuring food safety and compliance standards are met while helping serve meals students are excited to eat.

This role is perfect for a hands‑on leader who loves being in the kitchen, developing people, and making food fun. You'll bring Chartwells' signature programs, including Mood Boost®, Global Eats®, Discovery Kitchen®, and Student Choice®, to life through engaging student interactions, tastings, and demonstrations. No culinary degree is required, but strong kitchen experience, a passion for teaching, and the patience to coach team members of all skill levels are essential. With no summer feeding program, you'll have the opportunity to focus on planning, innovation, training, and supporting other accounts in preparation for another successful school year.

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 thorough 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

• Associate’s degree in culinary arts or equivalent experience.
• Previous K–12 culinary experience preferred; demonstrated knowledge of state and federal food program standards and guidelines.
• Five (5) years of culinary/kitchen management experience.
• Proven success in high-volume, complex 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.
• Proven knowledge of HACCP controls, including proper food storage, handling, and utilization practice.

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
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• 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, benefits information can be found below.