SOUS CHEF - KIPP Houston, TX

Chartwells School Dining Services K12; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Chartwells K12 is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support meal production and kitchen operations for KIPP Houston Public Schools in Houston, TX.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will help supervise staff, manage inventory, and ensure safe, high-quality meals for students. The role emphasizes leadership, culinary excellence, and strict adherence to food safety standards.

Qualifications

• A.S. or equivalent experience in culinary/kitchen operations.
• Progressive culinary/kitchen management experience preferred.
• Catering and high-volume foodservice experience desirable.
• Knowledge of food cost controls, sanitation, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cost controls and menu planning.
• Produce and execute catering events.
• Roll out new culinary programs with marketing and culinary teams.

Skills

Culinary skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Client satisfaction

Food safety / sanitation

Education

A.S. or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Chartwells K12

Salary: $68,000-$72,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Sous Chef | KIPP Houston Public Schools | Houston, TX

Join a team that's making a difference every day. KIPP Houston Public Schools, serving more than 21,000 students across 32 public charter schools from Pre‑K through 12th grade, is seeking a talented and hands‑on Sous Chef to help deliver high‑quality meals to students throughout the district. Reporting to the Executive Chef, this role is an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment, leading by example, and being part of a large, mission‑driven team.

As Sous Chef, you will support the day‑to‑day culinary operation by assisting with food production, menu execution, inventory management, food quality, and kitchen oversight. You'll work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards while helping supervise and develop team members. We're looking for someone with strong culinary skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for creating great food and exceptional experiences for students and staff alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account
• Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus
• Produces and execute catering events
• Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with Company marketing and culinary team

Preferred Qualifications

• A.S. or equivalent experience
• Some progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
• Catering experience a plus
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E‑mail and the Internet
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
• ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

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.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12

are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER