School Nutrition Chef Manager - Lead Kitchen Excellence

whitsonsculinarygroup; Middletown (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits: medical, dent,

retirement

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Whitsons is seeking a Chef Manager to lead our school dining program, delivering healthy, kid-friendly meals while supervising a kitchen team. You’ll ensure food safety, manage production and inventory, and partner with school staff to support student well-being.

The role requires 3–5 years of high-volume food service management with ServSafe and a culinary background. Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• College or culinary degree preferred; FMP certification preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5 years of high-volume food service management; K-12 or contract school dining preferred.
• ServSafe certification required; local safety certs may apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations to deliver nutritious meals to students and staff.
• Supervise and train kitchen team for culinary excellence and efficiency.
• Plan menus that meet USDA school meal guidelines and quality standards.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and inventory controls per regulations.
• Collaborate with administrators and nutrition staff to support student well-being.
• Manage production records, vendor orders, and kitchen budgets.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive kitchen culture focused on teamwork.

Skills

Culinary management

ServSafe

People management

Menu planning

Food safety

Microsoft Office

Education

Culinary degree

FMP certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Whitsons is seeking a Chef Manager to lead our school dining program, delivering healthy, kid-friendly meals while supervising a kitchen team. You’ll ensure food safety, manage production and inventory, and partner with school staff to support student well-being.

The role requires 3–5 years of high-volume food service management with ServSafe and a culinary background. Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities are offered.