Chef de Cuisine

Rice University is a prestigious private research university located on a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas. Renowned for its rigorous academic environment and intimate community, Rice is ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. With an impressive 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, the university fosters a personalized educational experience that encourages intellectual growth, cultural enrichment, and social development. Rice's distinctive residential college system plays a vital role in creating supportive, close-knit college communities where students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Students actively engage in a variety of campus activities such as intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, and student government, contributing to a lively and dynamic campus culture. This environment has earned Rice University a high reputation for quality of life and value among private universities nationally.

Rice University also emphasizes a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work culture that reflects its core values summarized by the acronym RICE: Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These guiding principles shape the interactions among faculty, staff, and students and reinforce the university's commitment to maintaining a positive and productive campus atmosphere.

The position of Chef de Cuisine at Rice Hospitality is a pivotal leadership role responsible for managing daily culinary operations across a variety of on-campus food service venues including retail locations, residential dining programs, and campus-wide catering services. This role requires a hands-on approach to food production, ensuring consistently high quality, adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and strong team development. The Chef de Cuisine collaborates closely with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership to implement menus, support special events, and enhance operational performance across multiple service platforms.

Ideal candidates possess strong culinary expertise paired with leadership experience in fast-paced, multi-unit food service environments such as universities or large-scale hospitality operations. They demonstrate advanced skills in inventory management, recipe execution, kitchen organization, and team motivation. Maintaining excellence in food safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency is essential, alongside a capacity to manage diverse tasks including scaling production, training staff, coordinating events, and controlling costs. This role is vital in upholding Rice Hospitality's standards and contributing to creating exceptional dining experiences for the university community.

The Chef de Cuisine must be adaptable, willing to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays, and capable of managing the physical demands of kitchen work such as lifting heavy items and standing for long periods. This position is classified as exempt and essential, requiring the incumbent to provide critical dining services during campus emergencies when directed.

Rice University offers competitive compensation starting at a minimum salary of $63,100, with salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. This role provides an opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-driven institution dedicated to excellence in education, community engagement, and workplace inclusion. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the university's hospitality operations with commitment, skill, and professionalism, all while contributing to a work environment that celebrates diversity and fosters continuous improvement.