Chef Manager - Retail Operations

Creative Dining Services is a dynamic and innovative hospitality and facility management company that partners with a diverse range of institutions including colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, senior living communities, conference centers, and K-12 schools and camps. The company prides itself on providing a unique hospitality experience that is fun, creative, and community-focused. At the heart of Creative Dining Services is a commitment to excellence, innovation, and service that enhances the environments it serves. The company's approach emphasizes collaboration, culinary creativity, and sustainability, ensuring every dining experience is memorable and satisfying for guests and clients alike.

Creative Dining Services is currently seeking a Chef Manager to lead the culinary operations at Calvin University Dining Services - West Campus in Grand Rapids, MI. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape and elevate an expanding retail dining program across multiple campus venues including Peet's Coffee, Johnny's short order restaurant, grab-and-go food services, campus-wide concessions, automated FoodSpot vending, and flexible meal plan integrations. The Chef Manager will provide both hands-on leadership and strategic direction, ensuring consistent culinary excellence, innovation in menu development, and exceptional customer satisfaction.

As the culinary leader for the retail operations, the Chef Manager will partner closely with the Retail Manager and other key stakeholders to drive sales growth through creative and diverse sales strategies. This includes overseeing menu planning, managing food quality and safety standards, and leveraging operational metrics to track performance and continuously improve. The role is integral in supporting Creative Dining Services' mission to deliver quality food experiences while maintaining fiscal responsibility and sustainability goals.

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or equivalent professional experience, strong leadership skills in retail or multi-unit foodservice environments, expertise in menu development and food costing, and a passion for delivering outstanding hospitality. This role demands a collaborative spirit and growth mindset, working closely with teams to foster a culture of creativity, teamwork, and culinary excellence. The Chef Manager will also be responsible for training and developing retail culinary staff, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and managing employment processes such as scheduling, timekeeping, and performance management.

Creative Dining Services offers competitive pay and bonus opportunities, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and additional benefits that contribute to a supportive work environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional eager to make a significant impact in a flourishing retail dining program at a prestigious university campus.

Join Creative Dining Services and lead a retail culinary program where creativity, consistency, and customer satisfaction come together in a thriving and supportive community environment. Be part of a team that values innovation, sustainability, and hospitality excellence, and help shape the future of dining services within Calvin University and beyond.