Chef de Cuisine

Rice University, located on a picturesque 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, is widely recognized as one of the top 20 universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. With a favorable 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a unique residential college system, Rice fosters a thriving academic and social environment. This system supports students not only intellectually but also emotionally and culturally through an array of social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, diverse courses, and student government activities. Rice places a significant emphasis on cultivating close-knit, diverse college communities, which has earned it high rankings for quality of life and overall value among private universities nationwide.

Apart from its academic excellence, Rice University is also known as an outstanding employer. The faculty, staff, and students share core values that are fundamental to the university’s success as a vibrant and healthy community. These values are embodied in the acronym RICE, representing Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These guiding principles are evident in the respectful and welcoming atmosphere maintained among peers and extended generously to visitors.

The Chef de Cuisine position at Rice University is a dynamic and pivotal culinary role within Rice Hospitality, overseeing the daily culinary operations across various hospitality venues, including retail dining locations, the residential dining program, and campus-wide catering services. The Chef de Cuisine is charged with hands-on leadership in food production, quality control, and team development. This role prioritizes consistency, efficiency, and strict adherence to the standards outlined by Rice Hospitality to ensure exceptional food service across multiple platforms.

Working closely with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team, the Chef de Cuisine is responsible for menu execution, event support, and operational performance. The role demands exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage production while seamlessly handling the complexities of residential dining services. The ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced, multi-unit environment, demonstrating the ability to lead by example, foster team development, and maintain high standards of food quality and service that reflect the university’s esteemed reputation.

Successful applicants will have experience in university or large-scale food service operations with proficiency in inventory management and culinary recipe software. They must exhibit a deep understanding of stringent cleanliness, safety, and sanitation protocols. Attention to detail in knife skills, tasting abilities, and flavor balancing is crucial to the role. The Chef de Cuisine must also have robust multitasking capabilities, sound decision-making skills, and the ability to motivate staff to achieve peak performance under pressure.

This position requires flexibility with work schedules, including the availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and the physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds repeatedly, standing or walking for extended periods, and performing varied movements. The work environment includes indoor kitchen and dining areas, variable temperature spaces, and exposure to cleaning agents and elevated work platforms.

As an essential personnel role, the Chef de Cuisine is expected to report to campus during emergencies to provide critical dining services under the guidance of the Crisis Management Team. The proposed hiring range starts at a minimum of $63,100 annually, with a salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. This exempt, salaried position is not eligible for overtime.

Rice University provides an inclusive workplace committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity. It actively encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals during the application and hiring process upon request. This is an outstanding opportunity for culinary professionals seeking to contribute in a respected academic environment with a strong sense of community and excellence.