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District Chef - K12 St. Louis Public School District, MO

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.

Job Summary

Are you a passionate, hands-on culinary leader ready to make a difference in large public school district? We’re looking for a District Chef to join our team and help lead culinary operations across St. Louis Public Schools, serving over 18,000 students across 64 schools.

In this role, you’ll report to the Campus Executive Chef and collaborate with a team of 20+ food service managers and two other District Chefs. You’ll directly support culinary operations in approximately 20 of our schools, providing on-the-ground leadership, training, and quality assurance. From teaching culinary basics like knife skills and food safety to conducting spot checks, menu compliance as well as supporting catering opportunities, you’ll play a key role in crafting a student-centered dining experience that’s nutritious, engaging, and consistently excellent.

This role requires a strong focus on recipe compliance, ensuring that all meals meet established standards for quality, nutrition, and consistency. While the position does not include direct reports, the successful candidate will have the ability to lead by influence, inspiring and guiding kitchen teams across multiple sites through coaching, collaboration, and hands-on support.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee culinary operations for 20 schools within the district
  • Train, mentor, teach and develop kitchen staff in culinary techniques, safety, and sanitation
  • Ensure strict adherence to recipe compliance and food quality standards
  • Conduct spot checks and mini audits to supervise food safety, storage, and production practices
  • Support catering and special event execution across the district
  • Collaborate with culinary and marketing teams to implement new programs
  • Drive innovation in food quality, presentation, and student engagement
  • Monitor and handle food and labor costs to support budget goals
  • Influence and support kitchen teams without direct supervisory authority

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5 years of culinary management experience preferred
  • At least 2 years of multi-site or district-level culinary leadership preferred
  • Strong background in high-volume food production
  • Catering experience preferred
  • Proven track record managing food and labor costs 
  • Passion for working in a school environment and making a positive impact on students

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:  1432186

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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Nearest Major Market: St Louis
Job Segment: Chef, Culinary, Kitchen, Food Service, Hospitality

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