Executive Chef

Full-time position in Madison, Wisconsin, 40+ hours per week.

About One City Schools

One City Schools is an innovative educational institution seeding a new model of public education that ensures young children succeed from birth through high school graduation. Our mission is to transform education while influencing policy, curriculum, and teaching practices across Wisconsin and beyond. Both our elementary and middle schools "Exceeded Expectations" in academic growth on 2024 state report cards, with the elementary school performing at or above 87% of Wisconsin public elementary schools and the middle school at or above 94%. Additionally, 94% of our preschoolers test kindergarten-ready. One City has pioneered pandemic safety protocols and led advocacy for a $2.6 billion increase in education funding.

About the role

As our Executive Chef, you will lead our kitchen team in preparing and serving three meals daily to over 500 students and staff, ensuring compliance with USDA School Nutrition Program requirements. You will uphold our "Healthy Meals Program" standards, manage large-scale food operations, and create positive dining experiences that support our educational mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead Culinary Operations Excellence:
  • Prepare and cook to-order foods for three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and snack) for over 400 students.
  • Ensure all meals align with our "Healthy Meals Program" without using canned goods or preservatives.
  • Operate a variety of kitchen equipment to measure, mix ingredients, wash, peel, cut, and shred fruits and vegetables.
  • Trim and cut meat, poultry, or fish following basic recipes and product directions.
  • Taste products, read menus, estimate food requirements, and check production to plan accurately.
• Drive Nutrition Program Compliance:
  • Attend all required trainings and implement USDA School Nutrition Program requirements.
  • Ensure full compliance with the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Afterschool Snack Program.
  • Record meals and snacks in a manner consistent with USDA School Nutrition Program requirements.
  • Create and post monthly menus complying with all meal pattern requirements, including protein and carbohydrate information.
  • Schedule and ensure successful USDA School Nutrition Program and food safety inspections and audits.
  • Update One City's Food Safety Plan annually with the help of Dane County Public Health Nutrition team.
• Foster Kitchen Leadership and Operations:
  • Create and place large-scale food procurement orders at least twice per week within the assigned budget.
  • Engage in long-term strategic planning related to kitchen operations.
  • Track, schedule, and oversee equipment repairs in the kitchen.
  • Receive orders/inventory and move/lift food and supplies, including heavy items up to 50 pounds.
  • Maintain a clean, orderly, and professional kitchen environment to the highest standards.
  • Follow proper procedures for disposing of kitchen waste and maintain spotless work areas.
  • Adhere to proper dishwashing procedures, including pots and pans, and maintain detailed logs.
  • Develop and implement kitchen work plans and conduct employee performance reviews of kitchen staff.
  • Lead the kitchen team with patience, dignity, and respect.
• Drive Service Excellence and Community Connection:
  • Provide the highest quality of service to One City's school community and guests.
  • Build a positive culture and relationships with the kitchen team and school community.
  • Follow posted mealtime schedules and collaborate with school leaders to resolve conflicts.
  • Understand basic dining and classroom set-up, deliver and clear food and materials accordingly.
  • Support and assist with special school events as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required (Associate's degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of cooking and meal preparation experience in a large-scale commercial kitchen production setting.
• Experience in schools, daycares, or senior living environments preferred.
• Strong commitment to the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of One City Schools.
• Experience working with young children from diverse racial/cultural populations and their families.

Qualifications

• Excellent judgment, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to proactively engage in difficult conversations leading to productive outcomes.
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive approach.
• Self-reflective, open-minded, and willing to change and try new strategies.
• Growth mindset and commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• Models One City's Habits of Character: compassion, risk, integrity, self-respect, and persistence.

Physical Requirements

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in a standing position for long periods (up to 8 hours).
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push, and/or pull throughout the workday.
• Frequently lift up to 35 pounds and regularly lift/move up to 50 pounds of food, supplies, and equipment.
• Physical capability to handle demanding kitchen operations, including moving heavy inventory and equipment.
• Completion of a background check required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on education and experience within local market rates.
• 18 PTO days plus holidays, spring break, and winter break.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Employee assistance program.
• Automatic admission for your age-eligible child to One City Schools.
• Training in USDA School Nutrition Program requirements and food safety protocols.
• Investment in professional growth and development opportunities.
• 401K with an employer match of 5.9%.
• Voluntary benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, Vision, Dental, etc.).