Athletics Performance Executive Chef

Housing & Food Services at the University of Washington offers an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic Athletics Performance Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at the Don James Center Training Table. This position is crucial in supporting the nutrition, wellness, and performance goals of the University of Washington's Intercollegiate Athletics program. Housing & Food Services is a comprehensive and complex organization dedicated to enhancing student life through superior dining and housing services, fostering an environment that supports student growth, learning, and success. The University of Washington itself is an internationally recognized institution that not only impacts the lives of students on campus but also extends its influence globally through its commitment to research, education, diversity, and community engagement. The university is committed to inclusivity and creating welcoming spaces for all employees and students alike.

The Athletics Performance Executive Chef role is designed for a seasoned culinary professional who will report directly to the Assistant Director for Catering, Athletics Dining, and Strategic Partnerships. This executive chef will manage the day-to-day operations of dining services specifically tailored to support the unique nutritional demands of UW athletes and coaching staff. The chef will take a leadership role in developing and delivering menus that are optimized to enhance athletic performance and recovery, created in close collaboration with ICA dietitians.

Key elements of the role include building and maintaining effective relationships with student athletes, staff, and stakeholders to promote a collaborative and supportive dining environment. The executive chef will lead culinary and service teams by offering coaching, training, and operational oversight focused on delivering exceptional customer service and adherence to food safety and dietary accommodation standards. The role requires overseeing all aspects of dining center operations including staffing, inventory management, and facility maintenance to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Moreover, the chef will be actively involved in fiscal management, monitoring financial, labor, production, and inventory metrics to maintain cost control and operational efficiency.

Culinary creativity is a vital component of this position, where the chef will develop innovative, performance-driven menu concepts and recipes aimed at supporting the nutritional and recovery needs of athletes. The chef will collaborate with university dietitians to ensure the culinary offerings enhance the overall athletic program experience. In addition to these culinary and operational duties, the executive chef will play a supervisory role, responsible for recruiting, onboarding, and evaluating staff performance to uphold university standards and drive service quality. The administration and effective use of the CBORD FSS system are also part of the responsibilities, supporting menu planning, purchasing, inventory, and reporting functions.

This is a fully regular, full-time position with the pay range set at $94,800 annually. The work schedule is primarily first shift hours (8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday), with additional coverage required for meal service periods and special events that may occur evenings and weekends. The University of Washington offers a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative work environment, known for its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position is perfect for an experienced culinary leader with a passion for sports nutrition and performance who is eager to contribute to the success of university athletes through exceptional dining experiences.