Executive Catering Chef - Louisiana Tech - Ruston, LA

Aramark is a global leader in food and facilities management, proudly serving millions of guests every day across 15 countries. Founded on values rooted in service and united by a clear purpose, Aramark aims to do great things for its employees, partners, communities, and the planet. The company emphasizes equal employment opportunity, promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. With a career at Aramark, employees are encouraged to develop their talents, fuel their passions, and empower their professional growth. Whether seeking new challenges, a sense of belonging, or a supportive work environment, Aramark is committed to helping individuals reach their full potential. More information about the company culture and career opportunities can be found on their career website and social media channels.

The Executive Chef role at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA, is a pivotal management position within Aramark, responsible for overseeing culinary operations to meet and exceed customer expectations. This role includes managing chef managers and hourly culinary staff, ensuring that all food preparation, presentation, and service standards align with the company's high-quality benchmarks. The Executive Chef develops and executes diverse culinary solutions that cater to varied customer and client tastes, constantly adapting to new culinary trends and ingredient innovations.

Key responsibilities include ensuring that culinary production connects effectively with the Executional Framework, maintaining and enforcing proper culinary standards and techniques, and training staff to uphold best practices in food production. The Executive Chef also plays a vital role in coaching and motivating the culinary team by fostering a shared understanding of objectives and recognizing employees' contributions. Regular team meetings and daily huddles are planned and executed to maintain alignment and focus.

Maintaining comprehensive staff records, including training logs, checklists, and performance data, is integral to the role. Building and sustaining effective client and guest relationships enhances the overall dining experience and supports mutually beneficial business connections. Direct daily interaction with guests allows the Executive Chef to gather feedback and tailor the culinary offerings accordingly.

From an operational perspective, the Executive Chef is accountable for achieving food and labor targets while maintaining a consistent focus on margin improvement by analyzing performance metrics, managing inventory, and optimizing orders. This role demands adherence to the Aramark SAFE food and Quality Assurance standards, as well as compliance with all safety, health, wage, and hour regulations. The Executive Chef ensures the integrity of the standard Aramark food offerings and oversees proper equipment operation and maintenance within the kitchen.

A strong understanding of the end-to-end supply chain and procurement processes ensures that only authorized suppliers are used, supporting quality and safety standards. The Executive Chef applies the Food Framework and Operational Excellence fundamentals rigorously to manage waste, standard menus, recipes, and ingredients effectively, always aligning with customer-driven menus and labor standards.

Relocation assistance may be available for candidates hired for this position at Louisiana Tech. Aramark values adaptability and resilience, recognizing that job duties may evolve to meet organizational commitments and deliver positive impacts for employees and customers alike. This is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals with a blend of strong management skills and culinary expertise to contribute meaningfully to a world-class food service operation in an educational setting.