Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D

Sodexo is a global leader in food and facilities management, distinguished by its over 50 years of excellence and commitment to improving the quality of life for people around the world. Founded in 1966 in Marseilles, France, and still majority family-owned, Sodexo has grown into a multinational enterprise with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. The company partners with some of the world's leading corporations to provide integrated services across multiple sectors, including food service, catering, facilities management, and personal home services. Sodexo’s mission centers on creating a better everyday experience for customers and employees by delivering high-quality service and innovative solutions tailored to diverse needs. The organization emphasizes values like diversity, inclusion, respect, and fairness, fostering a work environment where ideas and opinions are valued and employees can truly be themselves.

The Research & Development Cantonese Area Executive Chef role at Sodexo is a key leadership position focused on culinary innovation in authentic and modern Cantonese cuisine, primarily serving corporate clients in the New Jersey/New York tri-state area. This position demands a seasoned culinary expert with profound knowledge of traditional Cantonese techniques alongside a flair for modern menu creation and flavor development. Although the role is remote, candidates must reside near the New Jersey/New York area due to the necessity of traveling up to 50% of the time to various operational locations.

In this capacity, the Executive Chef takes responsibility for developing new and refined menu concepts that resonate with customer preferences, while ensuring consistency and high standards across multi-location culinary operations. The role includes leading critical customer presentations and acting as a savory subject matter expert specializing in scratch cooking and flavor innovation. Collaborating cross-functionally with departments such as marketing, finance, supply chain, and culinary operations is vital to align resources and business priorities effectively.

The ideal candidate is bilingual in Cantonese and English, capable of translating culinary content and commercial concepts accurately and with cultural sensitivity. Experience in Chinese kitchens in the US or Canada, particularly in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, paired with a solution-selling mindset, is essential. This individual must possess strong leadership skills, an ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced environments, and excellent communication abilities.

Sodexo offers a competitive and equitable salary based on the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and training. Furthermore, the company provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. Sodexo values accountability and teamwork, expecting the Executive Chef to deliver on key performance indicators and goals for the team.

Overall, this role presents a unique opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to make a significant impact within a prestigious global organization that values innovation, diversity, and the well-being of both employees and customers. By joining Sodexo, the Executive Chef will contribute to a mission of enhancing daily life experiences through exceptional food service and culinary creativity, supported by a strong organizational culture committed to inclusion and equal opportunity.