Executive Chef 2

Sodexo Careers•Machias, ME

17d

About The Position

Do you strive to create amazing culinary experiences? RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE! Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking an Executive Chef 2 for The University of Maine at Machias (UMaine Machias) , a close-knit, scenic campus located on Maine’s beautiful Downeast coast and serving approximately 1,100 students. The student body includes a mix of traditional and non-traditional learners, with a growing number of students from rural communities and underrepresented backgrounds. The campus prides itself on a supportive, collaborative environment where students, faculty, and staff come together to create a vibrant academic and social community. Dining services play a central role in enhancing campus life—providing nutritious, sustainable meals while fostering engagement and connection. As the Executive Chef with Sodexo at UMaine Machias, you will lead the culinary program and shape the dining experience across campus. You will oversee daily kitchen operations, drive menu innovation, and support student wellness through thoughtful, culturally diverse, and seasonal offerings. In this role, you will mentor a dedicated culinary team, support special events, and partner with campus stakeholders to deliver fresh, engaging dining experiences. You will also champion sustainability, food quality, and safety standards that align with Sodexo’s mission and the values of the UMaine Machias community.

Requirements

Proven culinary leadership experience, ideally in a campus, hotel, healthcare, or high-volume environment.
Strong menu development skills with the ability to create innovative, inclusive, and student-focused dining options.
Excellent knowledge of culinary techniques, food trends, safety standards, and sustainability practices.
Ability to lead, motivate, and train a diverse culinary team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
A passion for creating meaningful dining experiences that build community and support student success.
Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with clients, staff, and campus partners.
Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
ServSafe certification or ability to obtain one.
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Nice To Haves

Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
ServSafe certification or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Lead all culinary operations for residential dining, retail, catering, and campus events.
Develop creative, seasonal, and culturally diverse menus that support student satisfaction and wellness.
Ensure all food is prepared to Sodexo’s quality, safety, and presentation standards.
Manage, train, and mentor kitchen staff, promoting a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
Oversee food production planning, inventory management, ordering, and cost controls.
Implement sustainability initiatives, including local sourcing, waste reduction, and responsible menu planning.
Collaborate with campus partners to support events, student programs, and community engagement activities.
Maintain strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff, using their feedback to enhance the dining experience.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, HACCP protocols, and Sodexo policies.
Support operational goals, including financial performance and service excellence.