Regional K-12 Chef: Culinary Innovation Leader (South Central)

Chartwells School Dining Services K12; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Commuter Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells K12 is seeking a Regional Chef to lead culinary programs across the South Central region, including Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. You will partner with district leadership to drive menu innovation, operational excellence and student engagement.

This role requires hands-on culinary leadership, coaching regional staff, and travel around 50%. Ideal candidates reside in Missouri or Arkansas, with flexibility for other states in the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts preferred or equivalent professional culinary experience.
• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience.
• Strong executive presence and outstanding communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire regional culinary programs and standards across a region of school districts.
• Support new business growth through menu and program innovation.
• Provide onsite and remote training and development for regional culinary staff.
• Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, Nutrition and Finance to meet goals.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and drive cost/quality improvements with Purchasing.

Skills

Executive presence

Verbal communication

Written communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Training

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Project management

MS Office

Recipe management

Nutrition systems

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts

Equivalent professional culinary experience

Tools

MS Office

Recipe management software

Nutrition software

Job description

Chartwells K12 is seeking a Regional Chef to lead culinary programs across the South Central region, including Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. You will partner with district leadership to drive menu innovation, operational excellence and student engagement.

This role requires hands-on culinary leadership, coaching regional staff, and travel around 50%. Ideal candidates reside in Missouri or Arkansas, with flexibility for other states in the region.