Executive Chef – School Dining & Menu Innovation Leader

Compass Group USA; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Flik Independent School Dining is seeking an Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations at a private or independent K-12 school. This hands-on role demands dedication to food quality, safety, innovation, and service excellence, guiding a team of culinary associates and partnering with the school community to deliver a dining experience that meets high standards of nutrition, taste, and presentation.

You will drive menu development and cost controls, manage vendor relationships and inventory,

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.
• 3–5 years of dynamic culinary management experience.
• Ability to lead food and labor costs while maintaining quality.
• Experience in scratch cooking, menu innovation, and staff development.
• Proficiency with kitchen operations software and Microsoft Office.
• 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

Budgeting / Cost control

Team Development

Menu Innovation

Food Safety

Communication

Software Proficiency

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. This hands-on role demands dedication to food quality, safety, innovation, and service excellence, guiding a team of culinary associates and partnering with the school community to deliver a dining experience that meets high standards of nutrition, taste, and presentation.

You will drive menu development and cost controls, manage vendor relationships and inventory,