Executive Chef — School Dining Leader & Menu Innovator

Compass Group USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Flik Independent School Dining is seeking an Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations at a private or independent K-12 school. You will drive menu planning, food preparation, and service quality while managing a skilled team and staying within budgets to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, focus on safety, and collaboration with school communities to ensure exceptional dining experiences aligned with nutrition standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of dynamic culinary management experience, preferably in high-volume foodservice or catering.
• Ability to lead food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Strong leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in scratch cooking, menu innovation, and staff development.
• Proficiency with kitchen operations software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary functions including menu planning, food preparation, recipe development, and service execution.
• Lead food and labor costs; maintain budget compliance and implement cost control strategies.
• Purchase food and kitchen supplies; run vendor relationships and maintain accurate inventory.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and allergy protocols; uphold HACCP standards.
• Recruit, train, and mentor culinary team members, encouraging a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with marketing and culinary teams to launch seasonal menus and promotional programs.
• Support special events and catering functions, ensuring high-quality food and detailed execution.
• Supervise back-of-house operations to ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Works in tandem with Director of Dining to engage in associates performance management and prepare and conduct annual performance evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Menu planning

Team development

Food safety

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent professional training

Tools

Kitchen operations software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Flik Independent School Dining is seeking an Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations at a private or independent K-12 school. You will drive menu planning, food preparation, and service quality while managing a skilled team and staying within budgets to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, focus on safety, and collaboration with school communities to ensure exceptional dining experiences aligned with nutrition standards.