Executive Chef 1

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, dedicated to enhancing the experience of customers and employees alike through integrated food services, catering, facilities management, and other solutions. Within the Campus Segment of Sodexo, the company focuses on providing exceptional dining and catering experiences in educational environments, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff enjoy a variety of fresh, innovative, and satisfying food options. Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and fairness underpins every aspect of its business operations, fostering an engaging and respectful workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and employee voices are valued. The company continuously invests in career growth opportunities, supporting ongoing education and development for its workforce.

The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Chef 1 to lead its resident dining and catering operations. This pivotal leadership role involves overseeing all food and beverage functions in high-volume, fast-paced settings, requiring a strong blend of culinary creativity, operational expertise, and financial acumen. The Executive Chef 1 will play a hands-on role in supervising culinary teams, managing retail dining and catering services, and ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards. This position demands visibility during meal periods, close collaboration with management, and proactive engagement with students and campus clients to foster positive relationships and enhance dining satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will be adept at menu development and implementation of innovative culinary concepts that reflect client preferences and dietary needs while maintaining cost controls and quality standards. Responsibilities include managing chef and manager schedules, supporting safety programs, auditing menus, and elevating catering and banquet services by creating customized offerings. The Executive Chef 1 will ensure that Sodexo’s culinary systems and standards are consistently applied and optimized to enhance operational efficiency and guest experiences.

Compensation for this role is competitive and influenced by education, relevant experience, and skills. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision care, wellness programs, 401(k) plan with matching, paid time off, company holidays, and opportunities for career advancement and tuition reimbursement. The College of New Jersey benefits from Sodexo’s extensive expertise and commitment to quality, making this position ideal for a passionate culinary leader striving for excellence in campus dining environments.

This role requires a candidate with strong culinary leadership experience, preferably in campus or contract dining, combined with innovation in menu development and an understanding of operational finance including food cost, labor, and inventory management. Effective collaboration with unionized staff and excellent communication skills to interact with diverse stakeholders including students and clients are essential. A hands-on leadership approach underscores the importance of visibility and safety adherence, with ServSafe certification considered a plus. Although a culinary degree is valued, equivalent experience can suffice. The position represents a unique opportunity to contribute to Sodexo’s mission of enhancing quality of life and delivering exceptional dining experiences in an educational setting.