Job Description Job Description Salary: $90,000-$95,000Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401K, PTOChartwells 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 We are seeking an inspirational, kid‑focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across our growing K‑12 food service programs in the Houston, TX market . In this role, you'll drive high‑quality, nutritious meals that appeal to diverse student populations while maintaining strong standards in food safety, consistency, and execution. Reporting to a Director of Dining Services, you'll provide hands‑on leadership, mentoring frontline teams and bringing creativity, energy, and a strong sense of ownership to the program.This opportunity is ideal for a self‑starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and enjoys working with students and developing strong teams. You'll help elevate the dining experience through innovation, support key initiatives like Discovery Kitchen and annual cookoffs, and manage food cost and inventory with a focus on excellence. Best of all, this role offers outstanding work‑life balance with a Monday–Friday, 7 AM–4 PM schedule , giving you the chance to lead and grow—while still enjoying life outside the kitchen.Key Responsibilities:Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelinesFollows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure qualityTrains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standardsEstablishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assignedMaintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when neededMakes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such productsComplies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party auditsFollows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reportingParticipates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriatePreferred Qualifications:A.S. or equivalent experience preferredMinimum of three plus years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or trainingCatering experience a plusHigh volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirableInstitutional and batch cooking experiencesHands-on chef experience a must!Comprehensive knowledge of food trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentationMust be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the InternetServSafe certified - highly desirableApply to Chartwells Schools today!Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USAClick here to Learn More about the Compass StoryCompass 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.MedicalDentalVisionLife Insurance/ ADDisability InsuranceRetirement PlanPaid Time OffHoliday Time Off (varies by site/state)Associate Shopping ProgramHealth and Wellness ProgramsDiscount MarketplaceIdentity Theft ProtectionPet InsuranceCommuter BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Paid Parental LeavePersonal LeaveAssociates 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. - usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdfCertain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: ID: 1535018Chartwells K12KRISTEN STROHMYER[[req_classification]]