EXECUTIVE CHEF I - CATERING - UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Compass Group•Chicago, IL

8d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success. We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. We are excited to add an experienced Catering Executive Chef to our growing team at the University of Chicago. Reporting to the Catering Director, the Executive Chef provides strategic and operational leadership for all culinary functions supporting the University of Chicago's off-premise catering business, generating more than $3 million in annual revenue. This role is responsible for overseeing culinary excellence, operational efficiency, financial performance, and client satisfaction while supporting the continued growth of the catering program. Additionally, the role drives operational effectiveness through budget management, cost controls, and process improvements while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the culinary team. The Executive Chef partners closely with internal stakeholders and clients to deliver exceptional catering experiences that enhance customer satisfaction and support business objectives.

Requirements

A.S. or equivalent experience
5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
Extensive catering experience a plus
High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
Institutional and batch cooking experiences
Hands-on chef experience a must
Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Responsibilities

Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate