Executive Chef

One City Schools, Inc.•Madison, WI

20d•$60,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

One City Schools is seeking an experienced, energetic, and detail-oriented Executive Chef to lead their kitchen team in preparing high-quality meals without preservatives or canned goods. The Executive Chef will be responsible for transforming school dining and driving healthy outcomes for over 500 students and staff daily. This role involves leading culinary operations, ensuring nutrition program compliance with USDA requirements, fostering kitchen leadership, and driving service excellence within an innovative educational framework.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required (Associate's degree preferred)
Minimum 5 years of cooking and meal preparation experience in large-scale commercial kitchen production setting.
Experience in schools, daycares or senior living environments preferred.
Strong commitment to mission, vision, goals and objectives of One City Schools.
Experience working with young children from diverse racial/cultural populations and their families.
Excellent judgment, communication and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to proactively engage in difficult conversations leading to productive outcomes.
Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive approach.
Self-reflective and open-minded with willingness to change and try new strategies.
Growth mindset and commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
Models One City's Habits of Character: compassion, risk, integrity, self-respect, and persistence.
Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work in standing position for long periods (up to 8 hours).
Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull throughout the workday.
Frequently lift up to 35 pounds and regularly lift/move up to 50 pounds of food, supplies, and equipment.
Physical capability to handle demanding kitchen operations including moving heavy inventory and equipment.
Completion of background check required.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook to order foods for three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and snack) for over 400 students.
Ensure all meals truly represent our "Healthy Meals Program" without use of canned goods or preservatives.
Operate a variety of kitchen equipment to measure, mix ingredients, wash, peel, cut and shred fruits and vegetables.
Trim and cut meat, poultry or fish for culinary use following basic recipes and product directions.
Taste products, read menus, estimate food requirements, and check production to accurately plan requirements.
Attend all required trainings and implement requirements of USDA School Nutrition Program.
Ensure full compliance with National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Afterschool Snack Program.
Record meals and snacks in a manner consistent with USDA School Nutrition Program requirements.
Create and post monthly menus complying with all meal pattern requirements including protein and carbs information.
Schedule responsibility for ensuring successful USDA School Nutrition Program and food safety inspections and audits.
Update One City's Food Safety Plan annually with help from Dane County Public Health Nutrition team.
Create and place large-scale food procurement orders at least twice per week within assigned budget.
Engage in long-term strategic planning related to needs and direction of kitchen operations.
Track, schedule and oversee equipment repairs in kitchen as necessary.
Receive orders/inventory, and move and lift food and supplies including heavy items up to 50 pounds.
Maintain a clean and professional appearance at all times, setting the standard for the entire kitchen team.
Ensure kitchen and work environment are kept clean, orderly, and well-maintained to the highest standards.
Properly follow procedures for disposing of kitchen waste materials and maintain spotless work areas.
Follow proper dishwashing procedures, including pots and pans, and maintain detailed logs.
Develop and implement kitchen work plans and conduct employee performance reviews of kitchen staff.
Lead kitchen team with patience, dignity and respect at all times.
Provide highest quality of service to One City's school community and guests at all times.
Build positive culture and relationships with kitchen team and school community.
Follow posted mealtime schedules and work with school leaders to problem solve conflicts.
Understand basic dining and classroom dining set-up and deliver and clear food and materials accordingly.
Support and assist with special school events as needed.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on education and experience within local market rates
Full-time position with comprehensive benefits package
18 PTO days plus holidays, spring break, and winter break
Comprehensive health benefits
Life insurance and long-term disability
Employee assistance program
Automatic admission for your age-eligible child to One City Schools
Training in USDA School Nutrition Program requirements and food safety protocols
Investment in professional growth and development opportunities
401K with employer match of 5.9%
Voluntary benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, Vision, Dental, etc.)