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Executive Chef 1

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $61,710.00 - $79,860.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Day Shifts
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Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision care
wellness programs
401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
Paid Time Off
company holidays
Career growth opportunities
Tuition Reimbursement

Job Description

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, specializing in food service, facilities management, and other integrated solutions across various sectors, including education, healthcare, corporate, and government. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for those they serve, Sodexo partners with clients to offer memorable customer and employee experiences worldwide. The company’s values embrace diversity and inclusion, aiming to create an environment where every employee feels respected and valued. By fostering an inclusive culture, Sodexo ensures that all team members can be their authentic selves and contribute their ideas and opinions to strengthen the organization.

Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Chef 1 to lead the Food and Beverage operations at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ. This role is designed for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and possesses strong leadership and managerial abilities. The Executive Chef 1 will oversee all resident dining locations, ensuring exceptional quality and service while maintaining compliance with safety and sanitation standards.

Key responsibilities include managing retail dining and catering functions, supporting chef and manager schedules, and ensuring coverage as necessary. The Executive Chef 1 also plays a crucial role in implementing Sodexo culinary systems and standards to uphold consistent food quality and enhance the dining experience for students and clients. This role demands hands-on leadership, with the chef maintaining visibility during peak meal periods to engage with both culinary teams and patrons directly.

Financial acumen is essential, as the Executive Chef 1 will monitor food costs, labor, and inventory to optimize operational efficiency and profitability without compromising quality. Additionally, the position involves auditing menus and culinary programs to introduce innovative, fresh concepts that meet client needs while fostering strong relationships with clients, campus partners, and students to drive satisfaction and loyalty.

Safety is paramount in this role, with responsibilities extending to overseeing food and physical safety programs and conducting annual safety training sessions for all hourly associates. The ideal candidate brings creativity, innovation, and a collaborative approach, working effectively with unionized staff and maintaining excellence in service delivery.

Compensation is competitive and tailored based on the candidate’s education, experience, and skills. Sodexo offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. Additional detailed benefits information is provided upon hire to support employee well-being and professional development.

This career opportunity at Sodexo’s Campus Segment provides an engaging environment where culinary leaders can grow while making a significant impact on the campus dining experience. Candidates with strong culinary leadership, financial savvy, and a passion for innovation are encouraged to apply and join a company dedicated to creating better everyday experiences for everyone.

Job Requirements

  • minimum education requirement - associate's degree or equivalent experience
  • minimum management experience - 2 years
  • minimum functional experience - 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts
  • ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
  • strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • commitment to safety and sanitation standards
  • availability to work flexible hours including meal periods
  • ability to lead and motivate a diverse team

Job Qualifications

  • strong culinary leadership experience in a high-volume environment
  • campus or contract dining experience preferred
  • creativity and innovation in menu development, presentation, and programming
  • solid understanding of operational finances, including food cost, labor, and inventory management
  • demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with unionized staff
  • strong communication skills
  • comfort interacting directly with clients and students
  • hands-on leadership style with commitment to visibility during peak dining periods
  • knowledge of safety and sanitation standards
  • ServSafe certification preferred
  • culinary degree is a plus but not required

Job Duties

  • assist with oversight of all retail dining and catering operations
  • maintain, update, and support chef and manager schedules
  • provide coverage as needed
  • assist with implementing Sodexo culinary systems, standards, and procedures
  • monitor, audit, and standardize new menus and culinary programs
  • oversee food and physical safety programs
  • lead annual safety training for all hourly associates
  • improve and standardize catering and banquet services, including creating custom menus
  • develop and implement innovative culinary concepts for retail and catering
  • build strong interpersonal relationships with clients, campus partners, and students to drive satisfaction

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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