Chef

Chef Position at Stoughton High School

The Chef at Stoughton High School plays a pivotal role in delivering nutritious, appealing, and well-balanced meals to students and staff, ensuring compliance with dietary guidelines and school nutrition standards. This position requires overseeing all aspects of food preparation and kitchen operations, maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. The Chef will lead menu planning efforts to create diverse and culturally inclusive meal options that meet the nutritional needs of a diverse student population. Collaboration with school administration and food service staff is essential to optimize kitchen efficiency and enhance the overall dining experience. Ultimately, the Chef contributes to the health and well-being of the school community by providing quality meals in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the daily production of meals in accordance with established nutrition guidelines and school policies.
• Manage kitchen staff, including training, scheduling, and supervising to ensure smooth and efficient food service operations.
• Develop and update menus that are nutritious, appealing, and compliant with federal and state regulations.
• Maintain inventory, order supplies, and ensure proper storage of food items to minimize waste and control costs.
• Ensure all kitchen activities comply with health and safety regulations, including sanitation and food handling standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience in food preparation and kitchen management, preferably in a school or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and proper sanitation practices.
• Ability to plan menus that meet nutritional standards and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in food safety or culinary arts.
• Experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a high-volume food service environment.
• Familiarity with school nutrition programs and federal meal guidelines.
• Training in nutrition or dietetics.
• Experience working with diverse populations and accommodating special dietary needs.

Skills

The required skills such as food preparation, menu planning, and food service are essential for daily kitchen operations, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently and meet quality standards. Leadership skills are applied in managing kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, and maintaining a productive work environment. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation is critical to uphold health standards and prevent contamination. Preferred skills like experience as a Head or Executive Chef enhance the ability to oversee complex kitchen operations and innovate menu offerings. Additionally, understanding nutrition and dietary requirements supports the creation of balanced meals that cater to the diverse needs of the school community.

* Associate degree in culinary arts or at least 3 years of previous experience in a similar position* Exemplary customer service skills* Previous purchasing and experience controlling food cost* Able to manage, train, and motivate a team * Ability to perform in a fast paced environment* Previous catering experience preferred* Excellent written and oral communication skills* Successfully pass a criminal background check EOE/AA