Chef Manager

Creative Dining Services is a leading hospitality and facility management company specializing in providing innovative dining solutions across a range of settings, including colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, K-12 schools, and camps. With a strong focus on creating exceptional dining experiences, Creative Dining Services strives to deliver a community-focused approach that blends fun, innovation, and professionalism in every client engagement. The company prides itself on fostering an inclusive, supportive work environment that values diversity, promotes growth, and encourages a genuine passion for hospitality excellence. As an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran-Friendly organization, Creative Dining Services is dedicated to cultivating a workplace culture that celebrates varied perspectives and experiences, ensuring every team member and client feels valued and respected.

The role of Chef Manager at Creative Dining Services is an exceptional opportunity located at MSUFCU in Lansing, Michigan, within a professional corporate dining environment. This hands-on leadership position supports the entire dining services operation by combining culinary expertise with strong management skills to create polished dining and catering experiences. Reporting directly to the Food Service Director, the Chef Manager plays a pivotal role in leading the culinary team, overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, and driving customer satisfaction to meet and exceed client expectations.

As Chef Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of culinary quality and operational excellence. Your duties will include food production, menu development, purchasing, sanitation adherence, employee training, and providing support for high-end catering opportunities. This position demands a leader who possesses strong culinary fundamentals, an eye for presentation, and the professionalism to deliver elevated hospitality experiences consistently. The successful candidate will be adept at balancing the operational demands of a dynamic foodservice environment with the creativity and attention to detail necessary for outstanding food quality and guest satisfaction.

The role requires proactive planning and organizational skills to ensure smooth kitchen workflows and high levels of customer service. You will be instrumental in supporting positive client and guest relationships, which are vital to account retention and the overall success of the dining program. Beyond the kitchen, the Chef Manager will also engage with merchandising, marketing, and customer engagement initiatives to enhance the dining experience further.

This position follows a typical work schedule from approximately 6:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend events, generally around two per month, scheduled with advance notice. Such a schedule offers an enriching blend of routine and variety, allowing the Chef Manager to develop their leadership skills while contributing significantly to an esteemed corporate dining operation.

Creative Dining Services offers competitive pay and bonus opportunities, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—including a convenient and free TextCare service—plus access to paychecks through DailyPay and 401(k) with a company match. This role is an excellent fit for culinary professionals seeking to lead in a client-facing, professional environment that values quality, teamwork, and innovation. Joining Creative Dining Services means becoming part of a dynamic, community-oriented team dedicated to redefining dining service experiences.