Executive Chef

Virginia Union Univ • Richmond, VA

124d

About The Position

The Executive Chef leads the culinary operations of the university's dining services, overseeing menu development, food preparation, kitchen staff management, and ensuring high-quality food service that meets the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Executive Chef champions creativity, nutritional standards, food safety, and operational efficiency while supporting the university's commitment to sustainability, diversity, and community engagement.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a culinary leadership role, preferably in large-scale institutional or hospitality settings.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop and innovate menus that reflect diverse dietary needs, cultural preferences, and campus sustainability goals.
• Ensure menus comply with nutritional guidelines and accommodate special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options.
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff including sous chefs, cooks, and food preparers.
• Schedule staff to maintain appropriate coverage for all dining venues and special events.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe working environment.
• Oversee food preparation and presentation to maintain the highest standards of taste, quality, and appearance.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
• Implement and monitor food safety programs including HACCP and sanitation standards.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory control, and cost management to maximize operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to negotiate pricing, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor and control food waste, portion sizes, and labor costs.
• Partner with campus event planners and catering staff to provide culinary support for university functions, conferences, and special events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree