Head Chef-Kitchen Manager

Crave-It Nutrition is seeking a skilled, mission-driven Kitchen Manager & Head Chef to lead the school food service program at St. Paul Catholic Classical School. This is a high-visibility, high-impact leadership position. You will be the face of our kitchen program—serving students, earning the trust of nutrition-conscious parents, and building a culture of excellence, care, and consistency in every meal served. This is also a site that will have a secondary school being delivered to. So organization is a very important part of this role. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who leads with humility and service, thrives in a school environment, and takes genuine pride in delivering wholesome, high-quality food to children every day. Primary Responsibilities Lead, schedule, and supervise a team of 1-2 cooks and servers, fostering a positive and accountable kitchen culture Oversee all daily kitchen operations, including opening and closing procedures, food prep timelines, and service execution Maintain a clean, organized, and fully compliant kitchen environment in accordance with local health codes and Crave-It Nutrition standards Ensure punctual meal delivery and smooth service for all students and staff Menu Development & Culinary Quality Design and execute a rotating school lunch menu that prioritizes high-quality, whole‑food ingredients with broad student appeal Source ingredients thoughtfully, balancing nutritional standards, dietary needs (allergies, religious dietary restrictions, etc.), and budget parameters Continuously evaluate and improve menu offerings based on student feedback, participation data, and nutritional guidelines Demonstrate creativity and culinary skill in daily food preparation—this role cooks alongside the team Parent & Community Relations Serve as the primary point of contact for parent questions, concerns, and feedback regarding the food service program Communicate professionally, warmly, and respectfully with parents who hold strong opinions on nutrition, ingredient sourcing, and food quality Proactively share menu information, ingredient sourcing practices, and allergen details with the school community Partner with school administration to communicate program updates, special menus, and promotional events Administration & Compliance Manage daily food inventory, ordering, and waste reduction Track participation numbers and adjust production accordingly to minimize food waste Maintain accurate records for food safety logs, temperature checks, and receiving documentation Complete all required Crave‑It Nutrition onboarding, food handler certification, and compliance training Qualifications & Requirements Required Minimum 7 years of professional culinary and kitchen management experience, including hands‑on cooking, team supervision, ordering, and inventory control Demonstrated ability to create scratch‑cooked, high‑quality menus for large groups Strong interpersonal and communication skills — particularly the ability to engage diplomatically and professionally with opinionated parent communities Proven reliability and punctuality; consistent attendance is non‑negotiable in a school food service environment Servant‑leader mindset — you take pride in serving others and set the standard by example Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check Willingness to complete Safe Environment Training as required by the Diocese Current Food Manager’s Certificate (or ability to obtain prior to start date) Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a fast‑paced kitchen environment Preferred Experience in school food service, childcare food programs, or institutional cooking Knowledge of common childhood food allergies and experience managing allergen‑safe kitchen protocols Bilingual in English and Spanish Experience with food cost management and menu engineering Who You Are You are a culinary professional who sees food service as more than a job — it's a calling. You understand that in a school environment, the kitchen is an extension of the school's values: dignity, care, community, and excellence. You don’t shy away from a parent with a question about ingredients; you welcome the conversation. You show up early, lead by example, and leave the kitchen better than you found it. Your team respects you because you work beside them, not above them. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary compensation based on experience School‑year schedule with potential for summer opportunities Paid training and onboarding through Crave‑It Nutrition Supportive regional management team and structured operational systems Opportunity to grow with a Texas‑based food service company managing 65+ locations How to Apply To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your culinary background and your approach to leading a kitchen team in a school setting. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged as we are targeting an August onboarding date. Questions? Contact Crave‑It Nutrition Recruiting at brandonhill@craveitnutrition.com Average schedule is 6/7am to 2pm Monday through Friday during the school year #J-18808-Ljbffr