EXECUTIVE CHEF - Union School District, San Jose,

Compass Group•San Jose, CA

48d•$80,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Union School District, located in San Jose, CA, is seeking an inspirational, kid-focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations serving approximately 5,400 students across 8 schools. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services, this is an inspiring leader will oversee daily food production and program execution, beginning each day with visits to school sites to ensure quality, consistency, and operational excellence. Responsibilities include menu management, production sheets, recipe books and recipe compliance, food safety and sanitation, inventory management, and maintaining high culinary standards across the district. The Executive Chef will also oversee and create light catering events while helping drive innovative student engagement programs such as Mood Boost, Global Eats, and Student Choice. This opportunity is ideal for a highly organized, self-motivated culinary professional with K-12 experience who enjoys building strong teams and creating memorable dining experiences for students. Success in this role requires the ability to lead through influence, as the district's dining team is unionized and relationships, communication, and collaboration are key to achieving results. The Executive Chef will mentor and develop staff, bring fresh ideas to enhance participation, and support operational and financial goals, all while enjoying an outstanding Monday–Friday daytime schedule that provides excellent work-life balance.

Requirements

A.S. or equivalent experience preferred
Minimum of three plus years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
Catering experience a plus!
High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
Institutional and batch cooking experiences
Hands-on chef experience preferred
Comprehensive knowledge of food trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Responsibilities

Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate