ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chef K Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF - K-12 SCHOOLS

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an Executive Chef to oversee the culinary operations of our K-12 food service program. This is a great opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys providing high ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF - K-12 SCHOOLS

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an Executive Chef to oversee the culinary operations of our K-12 food service program. This is a great opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys providing high ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF - K-12 SCHOOLS

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an Executive Chef to oversee the culinary operations of our K-12 food service program. This is a great opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys providing high ...

Chartwells K12

EXECUTIVE CHEF - K-12 SCHOOLS

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an Executive Chef to oversee the culinary operations of our K-12 food service program. This is a great opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys providing high ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood JobsChef K Jobs

Chef K information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do chef k jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef k in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Chef K?

A Chef K, or Chef de Cuisine, is a professional chef responsible for managing the daily operations of a kitchen in a restaurant, hotel, or other food service establishment. They oversee menu creation, supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory and food costs, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met. Chef Ks often possess strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and experience in various cooking techniques. Their role is crucial in ensuring a smooth and efficient kitchen operation, as well as consistently delivering high-quality dishes to customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity, and a solid understanding of food safety, often backed by formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth operations. These abilities are essential for consistently delivering high-quality dishes, maintaining safety standards, and running an efficient kitchen.

What are the typical challenges chefs face when managing a busy kitchen during peak service hours?

Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating a diverse kitchen team, ensuring consistent food quality, and maintaining speed during peak service hours. Managing inventory and handling unexpected issues—like equipment malfunctions or last-minute menu changes—are also common. Success in these situations relies on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Collaborating closely with front-of-house staff is essential to ensure a smooth dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Chef K vs Pastry Chef?

CriteriaChef KPastry Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceCulinary degree with specialization in pastry arts
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsBakery, pastry shops, restaurants with dessert menus
Industry UsageBroadly used for general culinary rolesSpecifically focused on desserts and baked goods
Common Search IntentGeneral culinary roles and responsibilitiesSpecialized pastry and dessert creation

Chef K is a versatile culinary professional skilled in various kitchen operations, while a Pastry Chef specializes in desserts and baked goods. Both roles require culinary training, but Pastry Chefs focus more on pastry arts. Chef K often works across different kitchen sections, whereas Pastry Chefs concentrate on pastry and dessert preparation, making each role distinct in their expertise and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Chef K jobs?

Cities with the most Chef K job openings:

What states have the most Chef K jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chef K jobs include:

Chef K jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef K job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 63% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF - K-12 SCHOOLS

Compass Group

Pottstown, PA • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Salary:  $60000 - $65000

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.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Executive Chef to oversee the culinary operations of our K-12 food service program. This is a great opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys providing high-quality meals for students while supporting special district events.

The Executive Chef oversees daily culinary operations, ensuring food quality, presentation, customer satisfaction, and overall operational excellence. This position also helps support student engagement programs, including Global Eats, Discovery Kitchen, Mood Boost, and Student Choice.

In addition, the role manages all catered events, including board dinners, special school events, and district meetings, while ensuring a high level of food quality and service. If you're a hands-on chef who enjoys leading teams and creating great food.

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 desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
  • Two plus years of culinary/kitchen management experience, (with catering experience preferred).
  • Proven success in complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
  • Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by solid 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.

ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighti

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:  1554093

Chartwells K12 

JENNIFER HILL

 [[req_classification]] 

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply