Executive CHEF - Kearsley Comm Schools, Flint, MI

Position: EXECUTIVE CHEF - Kearsley Comm Schools, Flint, MI
Chartwells K12

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.

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** Job Summary*
* Kearsley Community Schools in Flint, MI is seeking an energetic, creative, and experienced  
** Executive Chef
** to lead culinary operations across six buildings serving approximately 2,700 students. This long‑tenured account needs a hands‑on culinary professional with strong catering expertise, a big personality, and a passion for quality. The successful candidate will lead a team of  
** up to 32 frontline employees**  (district and union staff) while overseeing menu execution, event catering, food costing, production planning, and student engagement. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services, the Executive Chef will also maintain strong relationships with school administrators and district partners-all while enjoying a  
** consistent Monday-Friday schedule, typically 6/7 AM-3 PM, with only very occasional nights or weekends** .

This role is ideal for someone who excels at  
** training and teaching staff** , building a positive kitchen culture, and elevating both everyday meals and high‑profile catered events. The Executive Chef will mentor a seasoned team, drive culinary consistency, and support tastings, promotions, and themed programming throughout the district. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic culinary leader to grow a catering program, inspire staff, and shape the dining experience in a stable K‑12 environment-while benefiting from a schedule that supports true work/life balance.

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* Key Responsibilities:

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* + Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines

+ Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality

+ Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards

+ Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned

+ Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed

+ Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products

+ Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits

+ Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting

+ Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

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* Preferred Qualifications:

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* + A.S. or equivalent experience

+ Minimum of three years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training

+ Extensive catering experience a plus!

+ Union experience a plus!

+ High volume, complex food service operations experience - highly desirable

+ Institutional and batch cooking experiences

+ Hands-on chef experience a must

+ Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation

+ Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet

+ Serv Safe certified - highly desirable

** Apply to Chartwells Schools today!*
* _Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA_

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