Executive Chef – Healthcare Culinary Operations

Sodexo•Allentown, PA

About The Position

A passion for helping people and attention to detail are the hallmarks of your success. Join a team where your leadership can make a difference every day. Sodexo is seeking a skilled and energetic Executive Chef – Healthcare Culinary Operations to lead culinary operations at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, a leading healthcare facility in Allentown, PA. This position plays a key role in supporting a team of 30 frontline culinary associates and managing all back-of-the-house operations across three units - retail, catering, and patient services. Proven hands-on experience overseeing patient culinary production in a hospital or healthcare setting is required. Why Sodexo? At Sodexo, you’ll find a culture that supports your professional growth, values your leadership, and recognizes your contributions. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to advance your career in a mission-driven environment. Apply today and bring your culinary expertise to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest! What You'll Do Oversee daily food operations and ensure delivery of high-quality products across all service areas Manage culinary production, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation compliance standards Lead and develop a team of culinary associates, fostering engagement and high performance Oversee menu planning, production scheduling, and special event/catering execution Effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication and customer service standards Monitor food cost, inventory, purchasing, and labor management to meet operational and budget goals Utilize Sodexo Food Management Systems (FMS) and Market Connections (MSC) for operational efficiency Demonstrate flexibility in taking on additional responsibilities to meet departmental needs What We Offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions Paid Time Off and Company Holidays Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire. What You Bring We are seeking an energetic, polished culinary professional who brings: High-end catering and dining experience with a passion for culinary arts Strong production culinary background—ideally in an upscale restaurant, retail, or catering environment Proven leadership experience managing and engaging a diverse culinary team Exceptional human resource and supervisory/management skills Expertise in menu planning and knowledge of current culinary trends Excellent communication skills to connect with multiple audiences and build strong customer relationships In-depth knowledge of forecasting, food cost control, purchasing, inventory, and labor management Who We Are At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Requirements

High-end catering and dining experience with a passion for culinary arts
Strong production culinary background—ideally in an upscale restaurant, retail, or catering environment
Proven leadership experience managing and engaging a diverse culinary team
Exceptional human resource and supervisory/management skills
Expertise in menu planning and knowledge of current culinary trends
Excellent communication skills to connect with multiple audiences and build strong customer relationships
In-depth knowledge of forecasting, food cost control, purchasing, inventory, and labor management
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily food operations and ensure delivery of high-quality products across all service areas
Manage culinary production, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation compliance standards
Lead and develop a team of culinary associates, fostering engagement and high performance
Oversee menu planning, production scheduling, and special event/catering execution
Effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication and customer service standards
Monitor food cost, inventory, purchasing, and labor management to meet operational and budget goals
Utilize Sodexo Food Management Systems (FMS) and Market Connections (MSC) for operational efficiency
Demonstrate flexibility in taking on additional responsibilities to meet departmental needs