What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Chef position at SLA?
Bring Flavor to the Frontlines ? Become a District Chef in K-12 Food Service!Are you a passionate chef who wants to inspire teams and create meals that truly matter? As a District Chef, you?ll design menus, lead culinary training, and elevate school food across an entire region. This role blends creativity with impact, giving you the chance to mentor cooks, shape food programs, and bring bold, nutritious flavors to students every day.Position SummaryThe District Chef plays a critical role in the planning and execution of school meal programs. This includes creating balanced menus, developing recipes, ensuring food safety standards, and training kitchen teams. The position serves as a hands-on leader, helping maintain high culinary standards while supporting operations across multiple schools.Key ResponsibilitiesPrepare and cook food according to standardized recipes and production recordsCreate new recipes using commodity and purchased ingredientsConduct taste tests and chef demonstrations with students and staffDesign cost-effective, appealing, and nutritionally balanced student menusEnter menus into the nutritional analysis programPlace food and supply orders while monitoring cost controlTrain kitchen staff on food safety, HACCP, cooking techniques, and presentationCollaborate with Cafeteria Managers to ensure meal qualityFollow all local health department and company safety regulationsSupervise and evaluate kitchen team membersSubmit reports as assigned and ensure timely complianceSupport other duties as assigned to improve culinary operationsQualificationsHigh school diploma or GED requiredAssociate?s degree in Culinary Arts or related bachelor?s degree strongly preferred3 years of experience in kitchen/back-of-house operationsPrior school food service experience strongly desiredKnowledge of budgeting and food cost control requiredStrong culinary skills with hands-on leadership experienceFood safety certification (or food handler?s card within 2 weeks of hire) requiredMust be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and MVR auditClear, professional communication skillsProficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer systemsMust be respectful, inclusive, and able to work with diverse communitiesBasic cooking and cleaning abilities requiredPhysical & Work Environment RequirementsMust be able to stand for long periods (up to 5 hours)Regular bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, and moving requiredRegularly uses hands and must be able to hear and communicate clearlyMust be able to work a full-time schedule, occasionally including 6?7 day workweeksTypical workweek is 50?60 hoursModerate noise levels; computer and phone use requiredTravel to schools and company meetings may be requiredWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled and participates with E-Verify Employment Eligibility Program