Chef Manager (M-F) - Lenexa, KS

Job Summary:

Create Exceptional Dining Experiences. Lead a Team. Inspire a Community.

We are seeking an innovative, hands-on Chef Manager to lead our private high school's café, concessions, and catering operations. This role combines culinary expertise with operational leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, families, and guests. The ideal candidate is a strong leader with outstanding culinary and knife skills, catering experience, and a commitment to food safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:
Culinary Operations

• Lead daily café operations, ensuring food quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Prepare menu items using advanced culinary techniques and professional knife skills.
• Develop seasonal menus and special offerings.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and waste reduction efforts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Catering & Events:

• Plan and execute catering services for meetings, athletic events, fundraisers, and school functions.
• Partner with administrators, faculty, parents, and event organizers to deliver exceptional experiences.
• Oversee event planning, food preparation, staffing, service, and event execution.
• Build strong relationships through excellent communication and hospitality.

Concessions Management:

• Manage concessions for athletic and extracurricular events.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, inventory levels, and product availability.
• Monitor sales and operational performance.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and develop café, catering, and concessions staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and service-focused culture.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Lead by example through active participation in daily operations.

Food Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Maintain the highest standards of workplace safety.
• Conduct inspections and implement best practices for food handling, storage, labeling, temperature control, and allergen awareness.

Business Operations:

• Manage inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Monitor food and labor costs to meet budget goals.
• Maintain accurate operational, catering, inventory, and compliance records.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning.

Qualifications Required:

• 5+ years of culinary and food service management experience.
• Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong culinary expertise, including advanced knife skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for school events.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent.
• Experience in schools, higher education, healthcare, or institutional dining.
• Catering and event management experience.