CHEF ASST

The University of Michigan is a prestigious public research university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Embedded within its extensive campus ecosystem is M|Dining, a division dedicated to providing exceptional culinary experiences to students, faculty, and visitors. Situated in North Quad Hall on the Ann Arbor Campus, M|Dining is recognized nationally for culinary excellence, continuously striving to blend fresh, nutritious, and innovative food offerings with outstanding customer service. This department supports the university's mission by delivering quality dining services in a sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic environment, making it an essential part of campus life and culture.

The position available is that of a Chef Assistant, a vital role within M|Dining's culinary team. This full-time, nonexempt role offers a competitive salary ranging from $52,166.40 to $54,808.00 annually and functions under the collective bargaining agreement managed by the AFSCME union, ensuring fair wages and benefits. Located onsite at the Ann Arbor Campus, the Chef Assistant will work primarily in the kitchen of North Quad Hall, contributing significantly to the preparation and presentation of meals served within the university's dining facilities. This role demands a high level of skill and dedication to uphold M|Dining's standards of food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

The Chef Assistant is responsible for accurately adhering to standardized recipes and preparing food items that meet strict nutritional and presentation standards. They support the Chef and management team in maintaining consistency and quality, conducting line checks and pre-service reviews. The role involves multitasking and organizational skills to prioritize and complete multiple food orders efficiently. Additionally, the assistant coordinates staff tasks, inspects work for quality compliance, and communicates operational needs and issues with culinary and management staff. Maintaining rigorous health code compliance, including food safety certifications such as Serv-Safe, is essential for this role, assuring a safe and hygienic dining environment.

Beyond daily preparation responsibilities, the Chef Assistant participates in menu development and stays abreast of culinary trends to innovate and enhance the offering. This position also involves training and developing culinary staff, fostering a collaborative and educational kitchen environment. Interaction with guests is another important aspect, requiring clear communication about allergens and ingredients to ensure an inclusive dining experience.

This position offers a structured work schedule from Sunday through Thursday, with Fridays and Saturdays off, supporting a balanced work-life dynamic. Employees benefit from comprehensive perks, including health, dental, and vision insurance, matched retirement contributions, continuing education opportunities, and commuter benefits like free bus fare. The University of Michigan values diversity and inclusion, offering a welcoming workplace that encourages growth and purpose-driven work. Joining M|Dining as a Chef Assistant provides an enriching opportunity to contribute to a respected institution’s culinary mission while developing professional skills in a supportive setting.