• Executive Chef - Camden School Nutrition

    Whitsons Culinary Group (Camden, NJ)


    Executive Chef - Camden School Nutrition

     

    Camden, NJ, USA

     

    Requisition Number

     

    14066

     

    Location

     

    Camden

    Job Description

    Executive Chef Manager – Lead Culinary Excellence Across the District!

     

    Are you a seasoned culinary leader with a passion for school nutrition, team development, and operational excellence? Join Whitsons as an Executive Chef Manager and take the lead in shaping healthy, high-quality meals for thousands of students—while supporting and mentoring chef and kitchen managers district-wide.

    What You’ll Do:

    + Supervise and support chef managers and kitchen managers across the entire school district

    + Oversee culinary production, food quality, and program compliance with USDA, NSLP, and HHFKA guidelines

    + Coach and mentor managers to meet high standards in food safety, menu execution, cost control, and staff development

    + Monitor food, labor, and operational costs to ensure financial accountability at every location

    + Conduct regular kitchen visits (80% of the time spent in schools) to observe operations and support team members

    + Ensure readiness for internal audits and state /local health inspections

    + Partner with the Resident District Manager and General Manager to enhance food service initiatives

    + Lead monthly team meetings and contribute to wellness, nutrition, and administrative committees

    + Drive marketing and participation with on-site promotions and engaging presentations

    + Prepare reports, performance reviews, and communications that keep stakeholders informed and inspired

    What We’re Looking For:

    + Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, etc.)

    + 5+ years of experience in K–12 food service leadership

    + Strong background in culinary production and team development

    + In-depth knowledge of school nutrition programs and government food compliance

    + ServSafe certification required ; SNS Certification a plus

    + Excellent communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills

    + Ability to travel to all school sites; must have reliable transportation

    + Proficien cy in Microsoft Office and familiar with digital platforms for communication and reporting

     

    Why Join Whitsons?

     

    + Competitive compensation

    + C omprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance

    + 401K with company match

    + Paid Time Off

    + Leadership role with meaningful community impact

    + Family-friendly schedule

    + Supportive company culture focused on development, purpose, and wellness

    + Be part of a mission-driven team that’s Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™

     

    At Whitsons, we believe food is more than fuel— it’s a pathway to health, learning, and connection. As Executive Chef Manager, you’ll help lead a team that feeds the future with purpose and pride.

     

    Ready to lead with purpose and flavor? Apply now and make a lasting impact in every cafeteria, every day.

     

    Salary starting at 80K

    Requirements

    REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

    Education :

    + Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field. OR

    + Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with any academic major AND a state recognized certificate in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, or business. At least one year of management experience preferably in school nutrition str ongly recommended.

    Certifications :

    + ServSafe Mandatory – Local food safety certification if required in jurisdiction of employment. Must be knowledgeable of all local ordinances.

    + School Nutrition Specialist Certification preferred.

    Computer Skills :

    + Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications is required .

    + Must be able to communicate electronically through use of email and other similar computer platforms.

    + Able to learn new programs easily and quickly .

    Other Qualifications, Experience and Competencies :

    + Minimum 5-year s ’ experience in K-12 programs required . Strong interest in school nutrition program development .

    + Culinary background is required - Must have a passion and an interest in food

    + Working knowledge of cooking procedures and recipe adherence and scaling.

    + Must have demonstrated experience developing talent and managing multiple priorities

    + Must be able to use “critical thinking” skills in order to resolve problems or would result in improving program overall.

    + Ability to effectively communicate verbally, electronically and written with clients, parents, students and support staff.

    + Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills

     

    Work Schedule

     

    Follows School Calendar

     

    Supervisor

     

    Shakyra L Vincent

     

    Salary Target

    80K