EXECUTIVE CHEF - Wauwatosa School District, WI

Compass Group•Wauwatosa, WI

2d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. Wauwatosa School District – Executive Chef Opportunity (WI) Schools: 17 | Enrollment: ~6,700 students Reports to: Director of Dining Services We are seeking an inspirational, kid‑focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across Wauwatosa School District in Wisconsin. This highly visible and respected role is responsible for delivering nutritious, high‑quality meals that appeal to a diverse student population, while upholding the highest standards for consistency, presentation, food safety, and sanitation across all 17 schools. The Executive Chef will provide hands‑on leadership, mentoring, and development of the culinary team, fostering creativity within K‑12 nutrition guidelines. Partnering closely with the management team and frontline staff, you will drive thoughtful menu planning and execution that enhances the student dining experience, minimizes waste, and supports overall program success. This role also offers an exceptional work-life balance, with a school-based schedule that means no nights, weekends, or holidays—allowing you to make a meaningful impact while maintaining personal time.

Requirements

Minimum of three plus years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
Institutional and batch cooking experiences
Hands-on chef experience a must!
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

Nice To Haves

A.S. or equivalent experience preferred
Catering experience a plus
High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
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
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