EXECUTIVE CHEF - K12 Clio Area School, MI

Job Description

Job Description

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

Job Summary

Chartwells K12 is on the hunt for a dynamic Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Clio Area Schools in Clio, MI! Serving 2,500 students across five schools, this is a unique opportunity to be the face of food for an entire district. As Executive Chef, you’ll oversee kitchen operations, ensure top-tier food safety, and collaborate with the Director of Dining Services to craft creative, student-centered menus that educate and excite. You’ll also support catering events, lead cooking demos, and use your strong computer skills to manage production records and streamline kitchen systems.

This long-standing partnership is looking for a culinary leader who thrives in a client-facing role and loves engaging with students. You’ll join a collaborative team that includes an Assistant Director and 35 dedicated union associates—all passionate about nourishing young minds. Whether you’re teaching a food education class, chatting with students about their favorite meals, or testing out the next lunchtime favorite, you’ll play a key role in delivering a fun, flavorful, and mission-driven dining experience every day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
• Establishes and maintains thorough cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available.
• Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree desired or equivalent experience in kitchen management and leadership.
• Two plus years of culinary/kitchen management experience, (with catering experience preferred).
• Shown success in sophisticated foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
• Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by confirmed knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighting a dedication to food safety.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/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 also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1434592

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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