EXECUTIVE CHEF - Pike TS MSD, Indianapolis, IN

Executive Chef

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.

Chartwells K12 is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations, catering, and concessions for our partnership with Pike Township Schools in Indianapolis, IN. Supporting 16 schools and more than 10,000 students, this high-visibility leadership role is responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences while overseeing menu development, food quality, safety, and operational excellence across the district. In addition to leading a large-scale culinary program, this position offers a work-life balance rarely found in the foodservice industry, featuring a primarily Monday-Friday schedule, no holidays, only approximately seven weekends annually, and limited evening events throughout the month.

We're looking for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives on building relationships, developing talent, and creating memorable food experiences. The ideal candidate will bring strong culinary expertise, outstanding customer service skills, and the ability to lead and inspire a unionized team, including providing oversight and mentorship to two Sous Chefs, while serving as a visible and engaging partner to students, staff, and the broader school community. This is an outstanding opportunity for a chef who wants to continue doing what they love while enjoying a predictable schedule and more time for life outside the kitchen.

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 stay abreast of industry trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors / Associates degree in culinary arts highly desired or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, with catering experience preferred.
• Shown success in high-volume, sophisticated 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.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Associates at Chartwells K12 are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, and personal leave.