Production Chef

Production ChefThe Spence School is an independent girls' school in New York City serving students in grades K–12. We are seeking a Production Chef to join our kitchen team at the Middle/Upper School campus, where we serve over 550 students (grades 5–12) and 125 faculty and staff daily.Our employees are compassionate, collaborative, and dedicated professionals who bring respect and care into every interaction with members of the community. We are committed to high ethical standards and to supporting the emotional and physical well-being of our community. Our kitchen emphasizes fresh, scratch-cooked food, global flavors, sustainability, and nutrition education.We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Production Chef with at least three years of professional kitchen experience. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role supporting daily hot-station production, lunch service, and special events.Reporting to the Head Chef, the Production Chef will work closely with the hot-station team to prepare high-quality food in a collaborative, high-volume school kitchen. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, flexible, and enjoys working as part of a team. A willingness to take initiative and assist wherever needed is essential.QualificationsRequired QualificationsAt least 3 years of professional cooking experience; high-volume experience strongly preferredCulinary training or equivalent professional experience preferredStrong food-preparation skills and knowledge of diverse cuisinesKnowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP and ServSafe standardsStrong organizational and time-management skillsCollaborative, flexible, dependable, and able to maintain a positive, professional work environmentInterest in scratch cooking, sustainability, and feeding a school communityDuties & Responsibilities:Assist with daily hot-station preparation, including proteins, soups, vegetarian entrées, sauces, stocks, and batch cookingCommunicate closely with the Head Chef and hot-station team to support daily production needsComplete tasks accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environmentSupport lunch service and assist other kitchen stations as neededMaintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstationAssist with catered events, including preparation, setup, execution, and breakdownHelp maintain the cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment, storage areas, and service spacesParticipate in deep-cleaning projects as neededFollow sustainable practices and all food safety and quality standardsWhy You'll Enjoy Working HereMeaningful work: Prepare fresh, thoughtful food that supports students' health, learning, and well-being.Great schedule: Primarily weekday hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for special events.Scratch cooking: Work with quality ingredients in a kitchen that values fresh preparation, global flavors, and sustainability.Supportive team: Join a collaborative, respectful team where creative ideas and professional growth are encouraged.