EXECUTIVE CHEF PASTRY FOOD SCIENCE - K12 FOOD SERVICE - JACKSONVILLE, FL

Job Summary

Are you an innovative culinary professional with boundless energy and a passion for excellence? Chartwells is hiring an EXECUITVE DISTRICT CHEF for our HIGH VOLUME premiere K12 school district located in Jacksonville, FL. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services, a successful candidate will lead kitchen operations with creativity and precision while encouraging a safe and sanitary work environment.  Do you have a strong background in pastry, baking, food science, or culinary product development?

This large K12 account specializes in developing and scaling recipes for large-volume production. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with food mathematics, recipe conversions, yield calculations, and product testing to ensure recipes maintain their quality, texture, appearance, and temperature integrity when produced on a large scale.

Our goal is not simply to execute the current menu, but to continuously innovate and develop recipes that we can confidently present to our client while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and operational efficiency.  This role presents an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, entrepreneurial culinary leader to make a significant impact.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines.  
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence. 
• Establishes and maintains detailed cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas. 
• Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available.  
• Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits. 
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to keep abreast of industry trends. 
• Transportation logistics for food deliveries.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Associate’s degree highly desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts. 
• Three plus years of culinary/kitchen management experience, (with catering experience preferred). 
• Shown success in complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking. 
• Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by extensive knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation. 
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems. 
• Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities. 
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighting a dedication to food safety.