EXECUTIVE CHEF - K12 FOOD SERVICE - Fort Worth ISD (FWISD), TX

Salary: $90,000-$100,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, PTO and 401K

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.

Executive Chef
Chartwells K12 | Compass Group USA
Fort Worth Independent School District, Fort Worth, TX

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to serve as the lead culinarian for the Fort Worth ISD account as part of the Chartwells K12 | Compass Group USA team. This role partners closely with Registered Dietitians on menu development, blending culinary expertise with nutrition standards and NSLP requirements to deliver high‑quality, student‑focused meals. As the culinary leader for the account, the Executive Chef sets the vision and standards for food quality, consistency, and innovation, while working alongside additional Executive Chefs who provide campus‑level culinary support.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Dining Services, the Executive Chef provides boots‑on‑the‑ground, hands‑on culinary leadership, spending significant time in schools to ensure menu compliance, recipe adherence, proper cooking techniques, and strict HACCP and food safety compliance. You will coach and develop culinary and site teams, collaborate with Directors of Dining Services and fellow Executive Chefs, and support the consistent execution of district‑wide culinary programs across this large, high‑visibility account—playing a critical role in fulfilling our mission to feed kids well.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines.
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
• Establishes and maintains thorough cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
• Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available.
• Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in culinary arts highly desired or equivalent experience.
• Previous K–12 culinary experience strongly preferred; demonstrated knowledge of state and federal food program standards and guidelines
• Five (5) years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience.
• Proven success in high-volume, complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
• Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by extensive knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
• Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
• Proven knowledge of HACCP controls, including proper food storage, handling, and utilization practice
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) with the ability to communicate in Spanish in a professional work environment preferred

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

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1529938

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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