CHEF - Gainesville ISD, TX

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

We’re seeking an inspiring, hands‑on Chef to lead the culinary experience for a food service program serving 3,000+ students across six schools in Gainesville Independent School District, TX
. This role is ideal for a creative culinarian passionate about delivering fresh, engaging, and nutritious meals to students from Head Start through High School. It also offers an excellent Monday–Friday schedule, typically 7 AM–4 PM, and since the district operates on a four‑day school week, managers benefit from a fifth day dedicated to planning, regrouping, and elevating the program.

As the on‑site Chef, you’ll drive menu innovation, elevate food quality, and collaborate closely with the Director of Dining Services and a team of 32 frontline associates. You’ll bring excitement to the café experience by championing programs like Global Eats, Student Choice, Discover Kitchen, and Mood Boost, while supporting catering and maintaining high standards in food safety and compliance. If you’re energized by crafting memorable food experiences and making a positive impact on students and the community, this is a fantastic opportunity to create, lead, and grow.

• Provides frontline culinary resources and support.
• Assists with food cost control, menu planning, purchasing, and ensures food quality guidelines are followed.
• Assists with planning and creating menus.
• Produces and executes catering events.
• Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with marketing and culinary team.
• Assists with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 1+ years of culinary management experience.
• Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
• Hands-on chef experience is required.
• High volume batch cooking and complex food service operations experience is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
• Serv Safe Certification is preferred.
• Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel.
• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts is preferred.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

• 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,  or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Req : 1501474

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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.