Executive Chef

Stanford University is one of the world's premier teaching and research institutions, established in 1891 with a commitment to fostering knowledge creation, critical thinking, and global contribution. Located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley between San Francisco and San Jose, Stanford boasts a sprawling 8,180-acre campus that hosts world-class scholars and seven distinct schools spanning business, education, engineering, humanities, sciences, law, medicine, and sustainability. As a pioneer of innovation, Stanford blends theoretical knowledge and practical application, translating discoveries from its labs and classrooms into impactful real-world solutions. The university cultivates an environment characterized by broad inquiry, innovative thinking, open discussions, and intellectual freedom, all aimed at preparing students for leadership roles and engaged citizenship in an ever-evolving world.

The Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) is the largest auxiliary organization at Stanford, dedicated to supporting the university's academic mission by delivering high-quality services to students and the broader campus community. Operating around the clock throughout the year, R&DE manages a $400 million annual budget and oversees $3 billion in assets encompassing over seven million square feet — roughly one-third of Stanford's campus footprint. This division houses 16,000 students and family members, provides 8 million meals annually across 48 dining venues and 32 culinary operations, and offers additional services such as executive catering, conference management, and guest lodging. The R&DE team exceeds 1,200 diverse and talented staff, organized into divisions including Student Housing Operations, Stanford Conferences, Stanford Dining and Hospitality, Maintenance and Capital Projects, and strategic business areas like Finance, IT, Human Resources, and Communications. The organization operates under a "Students First" philosophy, ensuring exemplary service and fostering inclusive excellence, operational integrity, and a positive work culture where all team members feel valued and empowered.

The Executive Chef position, reporting directly to the Dining Hall Manager within R&DE, serves as the culinary leader responsible for managing and executing the residential student dining meal program and late-night retail offerings in an assigned dining hall. This role demands a culinary expert committed to delivering fresh, nutritious, and outstanding meals with attention to taste, presentation, consistency, and safety. The Executive Chef oversees all back-of-house kitchen operations, including menu execution, food production, quality control, food safety adherence, and managing kitchen teams with strong leadership and motivational skills. Collaboration with the Dining Hall Manager ensures that culinary services are aligned with student preferences, participation trends, and institutional goals, while also responding effectively to menu feedback, dietary accommodations, and student wellness initiatives.

In this critical role, the Executive Chef fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, driving operational efficiency through accurate forecasting, inventory management, food cost control, and waste reduction. This leader is responsible for ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining equipment, controlling labor and operating expenses, and promoting rigorous food safety standards. The role also involves strategic menu planning, culinary innovation, business optimization, and employee development, including coaching and corrective actions as necessary.

This essential, on-site role requires working during evenings and weekends to maintain seamless service for students. The salary range for the Executive Chef position is $105,000 to $115,000 per year, reflecting Stanford's commitment to competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and departmental needs.

At Stanford, you will experience a culture that empowers your personal and professional growth through career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and exposure to leading thinkers via lectures and global leader talks. The university offers excellent retirement plans, generous time off, family care resources, comprehensive health insurance, and world-class fitness facilities. The campus itself is filled with opportunities for recreation and discovery, including historic art, trails, and museums, alongside practical benefits like commuter programs and employee discounts. Joining Stanford means becoming part of a pioneering community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and inclusive excellence in higher education and campus life.