EXECUTIVE CHEF -East Village Baylor University- WACO, TX

Chartwells Higher Education is a leading foodservice provider dedicated to revolutionizing the on-campus dining experience at over 300 colleges and universities across the United States. As a part of the Compass Group USA family, one of the world’s largest providers of foodservice and support services, Chartwells is committed to creating innovative, food-forward dining environments that enhance student life, foster community engagement, and fuel academic success. Known for investing heavily in high-tech, food-infused social spaces, Chartwells creates inclusive dining experiences that bring people together, encouraging meaningful conversations and connections around food.

The company prides itself on challenging conventional dining norms and setting new standards. It embraces diversity, innovation, and quality, making it an employer of choice for individuals who are hungry, humble, and smart. Chartwells offers growth opportunities within a stable, well-established organization, and is committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace for all associates.

This specific role is for an Executive Chef position at the East Village Commons located on the vibrant campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The salary range for this full-time position is competitive, between $65,000 and $70,000 annually, with additional relocation assistance available. The East Village Commons is a two-story all-you-care-to-enjoy dining facility that offers a culinary passport of global cuisines designed to keep the menu fresh, diverse, and engaging. The facility embodies a dynamic, transparent cooking environment where diners can watch their meals being prepared in real-time.

The Executive Chef will oversee operations at the East Village Commons, which features various unique culinary stations including a Mongolian Grill known for custom stir-fry dishes, a house-made pasta station crafting fresh daily offerings inspired by Italian and international recipes, a signature soft-serve ice cream dessert station, and a convenience store catering to students’ diverse needs. The dining hall operates Monday through Friday, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with limited hours on Sunday, requiring excellent time management and organizational skills from the culinary leader.

This is a key leadership role within the food and beverage team, demanding a passionate, creative, and skilled executive chef who can develop and implement regular and special menus, train kitchen staff in food preparation, safety and sanitation procedures, and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local health regulations. The role also involves managing inventory, maintaining high standards for cleanliness and maintenance of equipment and work areas, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in culinary operations.

The ideal candidate will bring three to five years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, comprehensive knowledge of food trends with emphasis on quality, cost control, and presentation, and experience in high-volume food service operations. Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, email, and internet usage are required. Certifications like ServSafe and extensive catering experience are highly desirable.

Working for Chartwells Higher Education at Baylor University offers substantial professional growth opportunities within a dynamic and supportive environment. Employees benefit from a vibrant local culture in Waco, an affordable lifestyle, and access to a robust career network within Compass Group USA. This position allows the Executive Chef to influence student experiences positively and to innovate within a large-scale, complex foodservice operation. Chartwells supports associates through competitive benefits, wellness programs, and flexible work options, making it not only a place to work but a place to build a meaningful career.