Chief Culinary Officer

Join a Leading Organization Transforming School Foodservice

At our organization, we are dedicated to revolutionizing private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities. Our passionate team is committed to providing exceptional food experiences by crafting meals from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We support sustainable agricultural practices and offer innovative nutrition education programs to empower students to make healthy choices, fostering a thriving life through nutritious meals and comprehensive education.

Job Summary

As the VP of Culinary Services, you will oversee the culinary standards within the Division for Independent School Districts. Your responsibilities will include managing the hiring and training of executive chefs, menu creation, cost reduction, and upholding culinary standards. You will directly supervise nine regional and district culinary roles. This hands-on role involves supporting chefs with culinary development, new sales opportunities, catering events, and standards implementation for over 300 accounts and growing.

Key Responsibilities

Managing culinary leaders, providing training, coaching, and development while ensuring adherence to Sector/Division Standards.

Orienting new chefs and managers to Core Culinary Standards and established food programs.

Assisting in the development and implementation of Culinary Programs and Standards.

Collaborating with purchasing and supply chain for ingredient selection, order guides, and supplier optimization.

Leading culinary support for new account openings.

Developing a culinary strategy that balances consumer expectations with financial goals.

Maintaining accountability for menu offerings, food cost controls, recipe standardization, inventory management, and waste/cost control programs.

Informing the Executive leadership team of culinary issues and resolutions.

Managing culinary innovation projects and participating in R&D.

Completing required reports, logs, and assessments promptly.

Communicating effectively with stakeholders, division leadership, executive teams, clients, and potential clients.

Maintaining compliance with all policies and procedures.

Displaying a positive attitude towards all business operations.

Ensuring division accounts meet safety and HACCP metrics.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in culinary arts preferred or equivalent professional culinary experience

7+ years of progressive culinary experience with a managed volume of $300M+

Strong executive presence with prior VP level experience strongly desired

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong organizational, leadership, mentoring, and training skills

Strategic and analytic thinker adaptable to evolving market conditions

Project Management Skills Preferred

Strong technical skills in MS Office, recipe management, and nutrition systems

Ability to drive growth through top-line initiatives and bottom-line tactics

Proven track record of innovation leadership and scaling for growth

Ability to travel 60%+

Must be East Coast-based and near a major airport

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)

Applications are accepted continuously, as we strive to maintain a drug-free workplace and provide equal opportunity employment based on abilities, achievements, and experience. Join our team and contribute to nourishing a brighter future!

Employment Type: Full-Time