EXECUTIVE CHEF - Martinez Unified School District, CA

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:  $73,000 - $80,000

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

Job Summary

Are you an innovative culinary professional with a passion for excellence? Join us as the Executive Chef supporting Martinez Unified School District, serving approximately 3,800 students across 8 schools. Reporting to the Director, this role will oversee menu planning, recipe compliance, ordering, inventory management, food quality, and student engagement initiatives, including Mood Boost programs and occasional cooking demonstrations.

This hands-on leadership position provides culinary guidance, training, and support to unionized food service staff and site leads. The Executive Chef will conduct onsite recipe training, ensure consistency and compliance across locations, and serve as a key operational resource for school teams. Travel throughout the district is required, with visits to each school at least twice per week. Mileage reimbursement is provided. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, energetic leader who enjoys developing teams and driving culinary excellence in a K-12 environment.

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 preferred 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.

- usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:  

Req ID: 1560461

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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