EXECUTIVE CHEF - K12 Westport Public Schools, CT

Salary: $58000 - $63000 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 Summary Are you an innovative culinary professional with a passion for excellence? Join Chartwells K12 as the Executive Chef for the Westport Public Schools district in Westport, CT, a high-performing school system serving more than 5,200 students across 8 schools. Reporting to the Director and partnering with an Assistant Director, you will lead all culinary operations, including menu development, recipe creation, culinary innovation, and program enhancement. This is a unique opportunity to elevate the student dining experience through creativity, operational excellence, and a commitment to fresh, high-quality food. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with exceptional people skills and a proven ability to manage and develop large teams. You will oversee culinary operations across all district locations while leading hiring, training, coaching, and performance management for a team of approximately 40 frontline associates. Success in this role requires strong culinary expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build positive relationships with clients, stakeholders, and team members while driving continuous improvement and outstanding results. 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 thorough 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 stay abreast of industry trends. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation. Preferred Qualifications: Associate’s degree desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts. Two plus years of culinary/kitchen management experience, (with catering experience preferred). Proven success in complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking. Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by solid 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 commitment to food safety. Apply to Chartwells Schools today! Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story 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. Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: Req ID: 1545883 Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER