Compass Group plc

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 www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Are you a passionate, hands-on culinary leader who thrives in high-volume kitchens and loves the challenge of feeding thousands with creativity and precision? We’re looking for an Executive Chef to join the team at Elkhart Community Schools in Elkhart, IN—a newly acquired, large-scale K–12 account with 21 schools and over 11,000 students. This is your chance to bring scratch cooking, fresh ideas, and culinary excellence to a vibrant school community. You’ll report to a Resident District Manager and collaborate with a powerhouse team that includes 2 Directors of Dining Services, another Executive Chef, a Dietitian, and an Office Manager—plus a frontline team of up to 175 associates.

We’re seeking a chef who excels in collaboration—especially with dietitians—to ensure menus are both nutritious and exciting. You should have a strong background in food costing, training staff in basic culinary skills, and executing high-quality catering. Experience leading cooking demos (such as Mood Boost or Discovery Kitchen) and presenting in front of groups is a big plus. Commissary experience is also highly valued. If you’re a chef who’s energized by fast-paced environments, passionate about nourishing young minds, and ready to lead with both knife skills and heart—we’d love to have you in our 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 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 highly desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, with catering experience preferred.
• Proven success in high-volume, complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
• Hands-on chef experience is essential, 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 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 for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1430030

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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