Executive Chef - Vermont Academy

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

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Other Forms of Compensation: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Flik Independent School Dining has been leading the way in transforming private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities for over four decades. Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice experiences every single time. Our meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our communities. But we don't stop at just foodservice - we take it to the next level by offering cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make smart, healthy choices daily. By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential tools they need to lead a healthy and thriving life. We believe in nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and doing what's right, every time.

Job Summary

As the Executive Chef at Vermont Academy, a distinguished coeducational boarding and day school in Saxtons River, Vermont, serving approximately 237 students in grades 9-12, you will be responsible for leading all culinary operations and delivering an exceptional dining experience for the campus community. This hands‑on leadership role requires a strong commitment to food quality, safety, innovation, and service excellence. The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu planning, food production, purchasing, inventory management, cost controls, and team development, while partnering closely with school leadership and the dining team to ensure meals reflect the highest standards of nutrition, taste, presentation, and hospitality. The ideal candidate is a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a collaborative school environment and is dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Key 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.
• 3-5 years of dynamic culinary management experience, preferably in high‑volume foodservice or catering environments.
• Confirmed ability to lead food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in scratch cooking, menu innovation, and staff development.
• Passion for food quality, safety, and crafting outstanding dining experiences for students and school communities.
• Proficiency with kitchen operations software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• ServSafe Certification preferred.

Flik Independent School Dining is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Flik Independent School Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.

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.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Flik Independent School Dining maintains a drug‑free workplace.