EXECUTIVE CHEF - Kearsley Comm Schools, Flint, MI

Compass Group•Genesee Charter Township, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Kearsley Community Schools in Flint, MI is seeking an energetic, creative, and experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across six buildings serving approximately 2,700 students. This long‑tenured account needs a hands‑on culinary professional with strong catering expertise, a big personality, and a passion for quality. The successful candidate will lead a team of up to 32 frontline employees (district and union staff) while overseeing menu execution, event catering, food costing, production planning, and student engagement. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services, the Executive Chef will also maintain strong relationships with school administrators and district partners—all while enjoying a consistent Monday–Friday schedule, typically 6/7 AM–3 PM, with only very occasional nights or weekends. This role is ideal for someone who excels at training and teaching staff, building a positive kitchen culture, and elevating both everyday meals and high‑profile catered events. The Executive Chef will mentor a seasoned team, drive culinary consistency, and support tastings, promotions, and themed programming throughout the district. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic culinary leader to grow a catering program, inspire staff, and shape the dining experience in a stable K‑12 environment—while benefiting from a schedule that supports true work/life balance.

Requirements

A.S. or equivalent experience
Minimum of three years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
Institutional and batch cooking experiences
Hands-on chef experience a must
Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet

Nice To Haves

Extensive catering experience a plus!
Union experience a plus!
ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Responsibilities

Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate