Chef Manager - Irvington School Nutrition
About The Position
Are you a culinary professional who’s passionate about food, leadership, and purpose? Join our school nutrition team as a Chef Manager and bring your talent to a kitchen that nourishes students and shapes futures. At Whitsons, we believe great food fuels great minds. As a Chef Manager, you’ll blend culinary skill with compassionate leadership to create a dining program students love. You’ll not only manage meals—you’ll help build a kitchen that’s a cornerstone of community, health, and learning. Ready to serve up leadership with heart? Apply now and help us nourish the next generation—at Whitsons our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in culinary management (school food service or institutional setting a plus)
- Strong cooking skills with a focus on scratch preparation and batch cooking
- Knowledge of USDA school meal requirements, production planning, and food safety standards
- A proactive leader who inspires teams and delivers results
- ServSafe certification
- Passion for feeding students and making a difference in the school community
- Minimum 3–5 years of high-volume food service management experience required
- Demonstrated experience managing kitchen teams, controlling food and labor costs, executing production schedules, and maintaining food safety and sanitation compliance in a high-volume environment.
- ServSafe certification required; local food safety certification required in any jurisdiction of employment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; ability to learn new software programs; proficiency in recipe procedures and cooking techniques required.
- Strong leadership and team development skills; ability to manage and coach kitchen staff in a fast-paced, high-volume environment; excellent communication skills — both verbal and written.
- Self-motivated, organized, and calm under pressure; genuine passion for food quality and culinary excellence; ability to drive own vehicle to other work sites as needed.
Nice To Haves
- K-12 or contract food service experience strongly preferred
- Food Management Professional (FMP) certification preferred
- OSHA certification preferred
- College or culinary degree from an accredited institution preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead daily kitchen operations to deliver healthy, high-quality meals to students and staff
- Supervise and train kitchen team members to ensure culinary excellence and efficiency
- Create menus that are nutritious, kid-friendly, and compliant with USDA school nutrition guidelines
- Maintain food safety, sanitation, and inventory controls in alignment with health regulations
- Collaborate with school administrators and nutrition staff to support student well-being
- Manage production records, vendor orders, and kitchen budgets
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive kitchen culture focused on teamwork and accountability
Benefits
- Competitive pay + opportunities for growth
- Family-friendly schedule – no nights, weekends, or major holidays
- Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, and retirement
- Paid time off and professional development opportunities
- A chance to lead with purpose and impact the health and success of students every day
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
