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CATERING CHEF- Cajun Soul Culinary expert - Texas Southern University HBCU- Houston, TX

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $70,000.00 - $80,000.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
holiday time off
Associate Shopping Program
Health and wellness programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet insurance
Commuter Benefits
Employee assistance program
flexible spending accounts
Paid parental leave
Personal Leave

Job Description

Chartwells Higher Education is a prominent dining services company operating at over 300 college and university campuses across the United States. As a part of Compass Group USA, Chartwells is renowned for revolutionizing campus dining by setting innovative standards and investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces. These spaces are designed not only to serve food but to foster meaningful relationships and interactions among students, faculty, and campus visitors. With a passionate commitment to nourishing both body and mind, Chartwells Higher Education positions itself as a food-forward organization dedicated to creating culinary experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Chartwells is currently seeking a Catering Chef for Texas Southern University (TSU) located in Houston, TX. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic catering program on a campus recognized for its strong traditions, cultural pride, and sense of community. TSU is a historically Black college/university (HBCU), and this position allows a chef to showcase and celebrate culinary roots in Cajun, soul, and Southern cooking. Working at TSU means being part of a vibrant environment that values authentic food, hospitality, and community engagement.

The Catering Chef’s responsibilities include designing innovative and elevated menus that blend Southern classics with modern culinary trends for various campus events and functions. This role offers creative freedom to put a personal stamp on every dish while maintaining sharp execution standards, managing food costs effectively, and developing efficient systems. Leading a culinary team, the Catering Chef will instill pride and attention to detail, ensuring that every plate leaves a memorable impression. This is a hands-on culinary leadership position that demands both creativity and operational excellence.

By joining Chartwells Higher Education at Texas Southern University, you gain access to industry-leading resources and training programs supported by Compass Group. There is a clear path for professional advancement, allowing you to build your career in a company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The role offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 and is based in Houston, TX, a city celebrated for its rich culture and culinary diversity.

This position is more than just a catering chef job — it is a chance to shape campus dining experiences, represent cultural heritage through food, and develop your career in a supportive, innovative environment. If you have a passion for bold flavors, strong culinary traditions, and leadership in a fast-paced setting, this opportunity at Chartwells Higher Education and Texas Southern University is ideal for you.

Job Requirements

  • 5 years of related culinary experience including 1 year at the management level
  • Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Ability to set up and distribute production sheets
  • Supervisory, leadership, training, management, and coaching skills
  • ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred
  • Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel
  • Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts is preferred

Job Qualifications

  • 5 years of related culinary experience including 1 year at the management level
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations
  • Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Ability to set up and distribute production sheets
  • Supervisory, leadership, training, management, and coaching skills
  • ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred
  • Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel
  • Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts is preferred

Job Duties

  • Direct the preparation and cooking of various food items
  • Planning and creating menus
  • Roll out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary team
  • Manage cost controls and controlling expenditure
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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