Jobs and Careers
CO

CULINARY ENGAGEMENT CHEF II - K12 FOOD SERVICE - DANBURY, CT

Compass Group
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 28 May 2025
💰 $70,000/yr($60,000/yr$70,000/yr)

About the role

 

Position Title: EXECUTIVE CHEF II - K12 FOOD SERVICE - DANBURY, CT 

Salary:  $60,000 - $70,000

 

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.

 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

 

 

Working as the Culinary Engagement Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. 

You will work directly with the Culinary, Operations and Marketing team to implement exciting new promotions and events at your schools that drive participation. From marketing support leading up to events to flawless execution, including nutrition education and culinary support, the Community Engagement Specialist ensures that all students will learn and have fun in the cafeteria. 
 
This individual will drive student engagement with positive interactions with students, visiting each school in the district.   You will collaborate with on-site operations, culinary, and nutrition team members to execute student experience programs. Areas of responsibility include student and community engagement, nutrition education programs, sustainability, and hospitality.  You will partner with the school district’s communication team to engage and inform key stakeholders – clients, school staff, parents, and students.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
  • Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
  • Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
  • Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
  • Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
  • Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
  • Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A.S. or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
  • Extensive catering experience a plus
  • High volume, complex food service operations experience - highly desirable
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences
  • Hands-on chef experience a must
  • 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
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable

 

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

Compass Group

View company profile →