Executive Sous Chef, Immediate Start

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Heartwood Community School

Executive Sous Chef, Immediate Start

Ridgeland, SC
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Executive Sous Chef

    Focus Areas: Nutrition Services
    Report: Executive Chef

    Who Are We:

    Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

    Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

    The Role:

    At Heartwood Community School, providing fresh, wholesome meals is foundational to student success. As the Executive Sous Chef , you will support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and execution of a student-focused meal program that prioritizes health, safety, and nutrition. You'll play a vital role in fostering a positive dining experience that meets the diverse dietary needs of our K-8 students while upholding the school's values of care and excellence.

    This role is perfect for an organized, collaborative, and health-conscious professional with a passion for working with children and a commitment to food safety and high-quality service.

    Responsibilities:

    • Assist the Executive Chef in preparing and executing nutritious, age-appropriate meals that align with USDA school nutrition standards and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
    • Support in planning menus that are diverse, culturally responsive, and appealing to children while ensuring dietary restrictions and allergies are accommodated.
    • Supervise kitchen staff during meal prep, service, and clean-up, ensuring adherence to timelines and safety protocols.
    • Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery, as well as food production principles and practices.
    • Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and ensure daily operations meet health code and food safety standards.
    • Assist with inventory tracking, food ordering, and receiving deliveries, helping manage supplies efficiently and reduce waste.
    • Monitor food quality, temperature logs, and storage procedures to ensure optimal freshness and safety.
    • Provide mentorship and training for kitchen support staff to reinforce proper food handling and sanitation practices.
    • Step into the role of the Executive Chef in their absence, ensuring continuity of kitchen operations.
    • Collaborate with the school nurse, teachers, and operations team to support school-wide wellness goals through food service.

    Skills and Qualifications:

    • Strong understanding of food safety and school nutrition guidelines.
    • Demonstrated experience preparing meals for children or large-scale food service operations.
    • Excellent time management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
    • Clear communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, school faculty, and vendors.
    • Ability to take initiative, adapt quickly, and remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
    • Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building and development, while fostering partnerships.
    • Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.

    Characteristics:

    • Detail-Oriented: Maintains precision in food prep, cleanliness, and record-keeping.
    • Team-Oriented: Values collaboration and contributes positively to a close-knit kitchen team.
    • Child-Centered: Understands the nutritional and developmental needs of children.
    • Calm Under Pressure: Stays composed and focused during busy meal service times.
    • Reliable and Hardworking: Punctual, consistent, and dedicated to upholding kitchen standards.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Ability to stand for long periods, lift objects up to 50 lbs, and work in a high-energy kitchen environment.

    Education & Experience:

    • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in a school or institutional setting.
    • Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a kitchen environment preferred.
    • Culinary certification or relevant food service training is a plus.
    • ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training required (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
    • Knowledge of HAACP

    Compensation:

    The salary for this role is $80,000 , with eligibility for a relocation package. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

    We are committed to building a best-in-class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

    Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including and not limited to:

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance and Disability
    • Tax-Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
    • Retirement Plans