EXECUTIVE CHEF - K12 FOOD SERVICE - SPRINGFIELD, MA

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. For more information, visit

Chartwells K12 is hiring an Executive Chef for our premiere K12 school district located in Springfield, MA. A successful candidate will lead kitchen operations with creativity and precision while encouraging a safe and sanitary work environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a multifaceted, entrepreneurial culinary leader to make a significant impact.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree highly desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
• Three plus years of culinary/kitchen management experience, (with catering experience preferred).
• Shown success in complex 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.

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.

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 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, personal leave.