Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k)
short-term disability
long-term disability
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Referral Program
Pet insurance
Employee meal discounts
Job Description
Benedict College is a distinguished private, historically Black liberal arts college located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, this institution was created to provide educational opportunities for formerly enslaved African Americans following the Civil War. Today, Benedict College enrolls over 1,700 students and offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, education, engineering, cybersecurity, biology, and computer science. Known as a proud member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community, Benedict College is deeply committed to academic excellence, leadership development, community engagement, and promoting student success. The college is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth for its students and staff alike.
Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest restaurant, food service, and facilities management companies in the United States, partners with Benedict College to oversee its campus dining operations. Thompson Hospitality, with over 33 years of experience, prides itself on upholding strong core values such as integrity, excellence, and respect for others. The company’s mission is centered around cultivating meaningful relationships with clients, guests, and communities while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Their competitive benefits package and commitment to diversity further reinforce their position as an employer of choice within the hospitality industry.
The Executive Chef role at Benedict College is a unique and rewarding opportunity that combines culinary leadership with a passion for delivering high-quality meals in an educational environment. The Executive Chef will lead the campus dining team, managing daily kitchen operations and developing innovative, nutritionally balanced menus tailored to the needs and preferences of the university community. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker who is adept at balancing culinary creativity with practical considerations such as cost-efficiency and sustainability. The Executive Chef will oversee every aspect of food preparation, ensuring that meals served meet the highest standards of taste, quality, and presentation.
In addition to culinary responsibilities, the Executive Chef will be instrumental in recruiting, training, and mentoring kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, professional development, and excellence. Managing food and labor budgets efficiently while minimizing waste is a key component of the role, as is ensuring full compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations to provide a safe and hygienic dining environment. The Executive Chef will also develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating contracts to procure high-quality ingredients and necessary supplies.
Staying current with evolving culinary trends, dining preferences, and sustainable food practices is a vital part of this position, allowing the Executive Chef to continuously enhance the campus dining experience. This role offers an exceptional platform for culinary professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact through food and leadership, within a vibrant academic community that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence. Candidates joining Benedict College and Thompson Hospitality will be part of a dynamic, supportive environment that encourages innovation and values the contributions of every team member.
Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest restaurant, food service, and facilities management companies in the United States, partners with Benedict College to oversee its campus dining operations. Thompson Hospitality, with over 33 years of experience, prides itself on upholding strong core values such as integrity, excellence, and respect for others. The company’s mission is centered around cultivating meaningful relationships with clients, guests, and communities while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Their competitive benefits package and commitment to diversity further reinforce their position as an employer of choice within the hospitality industry.
The Executive Chef role at Benedict College is a unique and rewarding opportunity that combines culinary leadership with a passion for delivering high-quality meals in an educational environment. The Executive Chef will lead the campus dining team, managing daily kitchen operations and developing innovative, nutritionally balanced menus tailored to the needs and preferences of the university community. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker who is adept at balancing culinary creativity with practical considerations such as cost-efficiency and sustainability. The Executive Chef will oversee every aspect of food preparation, ensuring that meals served meet the highest standards of taste, quality, and presentation.
In addition to culinary responsibilities, the Executive Chef will be instrumental in recruiting, training, and mentoring kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, professional development, and excellence. Managing food and labor budgets efficiently while minimizing waste is a key component of the role, as is ensuring full compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations to provide a safe and hygienic dining environment. The Executive Chef will also develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating contracts to procure high-quality ingredients and necessary supplies.
Staying current with evolving culinary trends, dining preferences, and sustainable food practices is a vital part of this position, allowing the Executive Chef to continuously enhance the campus dining experience. This role offers an exceptional platform for culinary professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact through food and leadership, within a vibrant academic community that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence. Candidates joining Benedict College and Thompson Hospitality will be part of a dynamic, supportive environment that encourages innovation and values the contributions of every team member.
Job Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during long shifts
- Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and twisting
- Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds
- Manual dexterity to handle knives, cookware, and kitchen equipment safely
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment
- Tolerance for exposure to heat, steam, noise, and open flames
- Ability to navigate tight kitchen spaces and multitask efficiently
- Visual and sensory acuity to inspect food quality, presentation, and safety
- Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as required
Job Qualifications
- Culinary degree from an accredited institution
- Relevant professional certifications
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a high-level culinary leadership role
- Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards
- Experience with higher education food service and dining facility preferred
- Exceptional leadership skills
- Strong communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Ability to manage a diverse culinary team in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient computer skills including culinary software and Microsoft Office Suite
Job Duties
- Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus considering cost-efficiency and sustainability while meeting university community needs
- Provide culinary expertise and creative direction to the culinary team, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency
- Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback
- Develop and manage culinary budgets, control food and labor costs, and minimize waste while maximizing operational efficiency and food quality
- Oversee compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and organizational policies
- Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors, negotiate contracts, and coordinate procurement for quality ingredients and supplies
- Stay informed about culinary trends, emerging dining preferences, and sustainability practices to integrate new ideas into menu and service
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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