Executive Chef - School Dining & Nutrition Leader

Compass Group USA; Saxtons River (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Flik Independent School Dining, part of Compass Group USA, seeks an Executive Chef at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT. Lead all culinary operations for a campus of roughly 237 students, focusing on nutrition, taste, presentation, and hospitality.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong food safety practices, and collaboration with school leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Excellent communication and team development are essential.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is preferred.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience controlling food and labor costs while maintaining quality.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor culinary staff.
• Food safety knowledge and HACCP compliance.
• Experience with menu development and recipe planning.
• Familiarity with kitchen operations software and MS Office.
• ServSafe Certification is 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; manage vendor relationships and maintain inventory.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and allergy protocols; uphold HACCP standards.
• Recruit, train, and mentor culinary team members, promoting excellence, safety, and learning.
• Collaborate with marketing and culinary teams to launch seasonal menus and programs.
• Support special events and catering with high-quality food and precise execution.
• Supervise back-of-house operations to ensure cleanliness and regulatory compliance.
• Work with the Director of Dining on performance management and annual evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Menu planning

Vendor management

Food safety

Staff development

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent professional training

Job description

Flik Independent School Dining, part of Compass Group USA, seeks an Executive Chef at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT. Lead all culinary operations for a campus of roughly 237 students, focusing on nutrition, taste, presentation, and hospitality.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong food safety practices, and collaboration with school leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Excellent communication and team development are essential.