Executive Chef & Director of Nutrition

At Heartwood Community School, we believe that providing nutritious, nourishing meals for our students is a foundational key to their success. We affirm the health and well-being of our students as all-encompassing, and nutrition plays an integral role in this effort. As the Head Chef, you will lead our culinary program, creating and preparing age-appropriate meals that meet the highest standards of nutrition, health, and safety. Working in collaboration with our operations team, you will ensure our students’ dietary needs are met, supporting their ability to thrive in school and beyond.

This role is ideal for a self-motivated individual who is deeply passionate about health and nutrition, strives for excellence in their field, and is meticulous about maintaining health and safety standards

Responsibilities

• Develop nutritious, age-appropriate menu items that support students’ overall well-being.
• Stay current on nutrition and health trends relevant to the student population.
• Collaborate with the school nurse to ensure meals meet established nutrition standards and address specific dietary needs.
• Maintain the kitchen and surrounding areas to meet the school’s high standards and health code regulations.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring all culinary activities are performed efficiently and to the highest standards.
• Monitor kitchen inventory, order supplies as needed, and maintain cost control to minimize waste.
• Manage food costs and budgets, providing regular reports on kitchen expenditures.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and functioning.
• Perform regular compliance checks to guarantee adherence to local health department regulations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in professional kitchens, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven expertise in kitchen management and menu development.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and management skills.
  • Expertise in food safety standards and kitchen hygiene.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff, students, and vendors.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and work in a fast-paced environment.

If you are passionate about creating meals that nourish both the body and mind and want to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives, we’d love to hear from you