Senior Chef Manager - Vermont Academy

Compass Group • Rockingham, VT

2d • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Senior Chef Manager leads culinary and food service operations at Vermont Academy, a coeducational boarding and day school in Saxtons River, Vermont, serving approximately 237 students in grades 9–12. As the senior on-site culinary and operational leader, this position is responsible for food quality, safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction, while overseeing front- and back-of-house operations. Duties include menu development, purchasing, inventory management, financial performance, labor management, staff development, and regulatory compliance. The role also leads catering, special events, and campus functions, and serves as a strategic partner to school administration. The ideal candidate is an accomplished culinary operator with a passion for hospitality, scratch cooking, sustainability, and team development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary and food service management experience.
• Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and contract-managed service environments.
• Expertise in menu development, production planning, purchasing, inventory management, and cost controls.
• Extensive knowledge of HACCP standards, food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and proper food storage procedures.
• Demonstrated success managing large teams and developing leaders within a food service operation.
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and point-of-sale systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong client relationship management abilities.
• Ability to lift, bend, and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in school dining, contract foodservice, hospitality, or other high-volume operations.
• Previous experience as a Senior Chef Manager, Executive Chef, Chef Manager, or in a comparable leadership role.
• Experience leading catering programs, special events, and high-profile client functions.
• Knowledge of culinary trends, sustainability initiatives, and exhibition-style cooking in guest-facing environments.
• ServSafe Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations, including menu planning, food production, presentation, quality assurance, and sanitation.
• Oversee daily front- and back-of-house food service operations.
• Manage purchasing, inventory control, receiving, vendor relationships, and product quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP standards, food safety regulations, health department requirements, and company policies.
• Collaborate with culinary and operational teams on innovative, student-centered menus featuring seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
• Maintain P&L accountability, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, food cost management, and labor cost controls.
• Analyze operational and financial performance metrics and implement action plans to achieve business objectives.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Conduct employee meetings, training programs, performance evaluations, and career development planning.
• Mentor supervisors and frontline associates to build bench strength and develop talent.
• Oversee catering operations, special events, and community functions.
• Partner with school leadership and key stakeholders to strengthen client relationships and enhance the dining experience.
• Lead administrative functions, including payroll, invoicing, weekly reporting, month-end close processes, and compliance documentation.
• Maintain standards for cleanliness, merchandising, signage, menu displays, and dining presentation.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, hospitality, and continuous improvement.
• Support regional and company initiatives, pilot programs, and operational best-practice implementation.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life and AD, and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holiday time off, varying by site and 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 be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed