Executive Chef

Creative Dining Services•Midland, MI

2d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Creative Dining Services is looking for an energetic and experienced Executive Chef to join their team at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. As the Executive Chef, you will be the culinary driving force behind the dining program, helping to create memorable experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests. This role involves leading the culinary operation while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, safety, nutrition, and financial performance.

Requirements

ServSafe certification
Catering and high-volume foodservice experience
Experience with menu development and recipe standardization

Nice To Haves

Culinary Arts degree preferred
5+ years of professional culinary experience preferred
Previous culinary management experience preferred
Higher education or college/university dining experience is a plus
American Culinary Federation membership preferred
CaterTrax experience is a plus, but not required
A passion for developing people and creating exceptional dining experiences

Responsibilities

Lead, train, schedule, coach, and develop culinary team members while building a positive, high-performing kitchen culture.
Oversee daily culinary production and ensure menus and recipes consistently meet Creative Dining Services’ quality standards.
Contribute to menu development, special events, catering, and new culinary concepts.
Coordinate culinary activities across the dining operation and ensure smooth, efficient execution.
Make food purchases, control inventory, manage food costs, and operate the kitchen in a fiscally responsible manner.
Establish and maintain food quality and production standards throughout the operation.
Work closely with the Dining Services management team, campus partners, Food Committee, students, and guests to continually improve the dining experience.
Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities that help team members grow professionally.