Regional District Chef: Menu Innovation & Team Training

SFE- Southwest Foodservice Excellence; West Windsor (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Foodservice Excellence is seeking a District Chef to lead K-12 menus and nutrition-focused meal programs across multiple schools in New Jersey. You will design menus, train kitchen staff, monitor food safety, and partner with Cafeteria Managers to ensure high-quality, appealing meals for students.

The role requires hands-on leadership, budgeting awareness, and strong communication to mentor cooks and drive operational excellence in a large-school district.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or related bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• 3+ years in kitchen/back-of-house; school food service experience desired.
• Knowledge of budgeting and food cost control.
• Food safety certification required.
• Background check and MVR may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food per standardized recipes.
• Develop new recipes using commodities and purchases.
• Lead taste tests and chef demonstrations.
• Design nutritionally balanced, cost-effective menus.
• Enter menus into the nutrition analysis program.
• Place orders while monitoring costs.
• Train staff on food safety, HACCP, and techniques.
• Collaborate with Cafeteria Managers to ensure quality.
• Follow health regulations and safety rules.
• Supervise and evaluate kitchen staff.
• Submit reports and ensure timely compliance.
• Support other duties to improve operations.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Budgeting

Food safety

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Associate's degree in Culinary Arts

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Computer skills

Job description

Southwest Foodservice Excellence is seeking a District Chef to lead K-12 menus and nutrition-focused meal programs across multiple schools in New Jersey. You will design menus, train kitchen staff, monitor food safety, and partner with Cafeteria Managers to ensure high-quality, appealing meals for students.

The role requires hands-on leadership, budgeting awareness, and strong communication to mentor cooks and drive operational excellence in a large-school district.