Head of School Nutrition & Culinary Innovation

Heartwood Community School; Ridgeland (SC); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartwood Community School is seeking an Executive Chef & Director of Nutrition to lead its Nutrition Services program with culinary vision and operational excellence. You will supervise the kitchen, develop nutritious menus, and ensure compliance with NSLP, USDA standards, and health regulations while championing scratch cooking where feasible.

The role requires collaboration with the school nurse, teachers, vendors, and families to support student health and a positive dining experience in a

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years of professional culinary or food service experience, including 3–5 years in a supervisory role
• Experience managing high-volume kitchen and school nutrition program
• Proven ability in menu development, food cost control, and staff supervision
• ServSafe certification and HACCP knowledge are required or preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall culinary vision and daily operations of the Nutrition Services program.
• Develop nutritious, age-appropriate menus aligned with NSLP and USDA standards.
• Maintain recipes, procedures, portion standards, and food safety practices.
• Ensure menus meet meal patterns and nutritional standards; monitor quality and consistency.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and delegation of kitchen responsibilities.
• Collaborate with school nurse to address allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Ensure family-style meals are served safely and welcomingly.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Kitchen management

Food safety

Inventory management

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Education

Culinary degree or certification

Tools

ServSafe

HACCP knowledge

Job description

Heartwood Community School is seeking an Executive Chef & Director of Nutrition to lead its Nutrition Services program with culinary vision and operational excellence. You will supervise the kitchen, develop nutritious menus, and ensure compliance with NSLP, USDA standards, and health regulations while championing scratch cooking where feasible.

The role requires collaboration with the school nurse, teachers, vendors, and families to support student health and a positive dining experience in a