EXECUTIVE CHEF II - THE CITADEL

Chartwells Higher Education is a leading provider of dining services at over 300 colleges and universities across the United States. Dedicated to transforming the on-campus dining experience, Chartwells combines innovative culinary approaches with advanced technology and inviting social spaces to create vibrant environments where students, faculty, and staff can connect and thrive. As part of Compass Group USA, a global leader in food services, Chartwells is committed to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement. The company prides itself on nurturing talent and offering career growth in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

At The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a dynamic Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations on campus. This salaried position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $90,000 and includes comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401k, and paid time off. The Executive Chef will play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality and consistency of food service, adhering to corporate guidelines while fostering a safe, sanitary, and efficient kitchen environment.

The Executive Chef will be responsible for planning both regular and customized menus, ensuring that dishes meet standardized recipes and presentation standards. Part of the role involves using daily production worksheets and waste logs to monitor kitchen operations and minimize food waste. The Executive Chef will also be charged with tasting final dishes to guarantee quality and lead ongoing training initiatives to ensure that kitchen staff are proficient in food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and equipment handling. They will be instrumental in establishing and enforcing cleaning schedules and maintenance protocols to maintain optimum hygiene and operational efficiency.

Inventory management is another key aspect of this role, requiring the Executive Chef to monitor food and non-food supplies closely to stay within budgetary guidelines. This position demands sound decision-making regarding the use of leftover food products in compliance with company policies. Furthermore, the Executive Chef will ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations through routine audits and inspections.

This leadership role also involves participating in departmental meetings, staff development programs, and professional culinary training to keep the team updated on industry trends and maintain a high standard of food service. The ideal candidate must be energetic, entrepreneurial, and passionate about quality culinary experiences. Previous experience managing high-volume, complex food operations in an institutional or catering setting is highly desirable, along with strong knowledge of food safety and cost control techniques. Proficiency in computer applications like Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook is essential, and being ServSafe certified is highly preferred.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance your culinary career within a prestigious educational institution while contributing to a mission that feeds both the minds and bodies of students. The role at The Citadel provides rich professional fulfillment, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits, making it ideal for driven culinary professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in higher education dining services.