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Executive Chef II (UPDATED)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $65,687.00 - $85,393.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
Paid holidays
Tuition reduction
Retirement Plan
access to recreation and cultural activities

Job Description

The University of Arizona is a prestigious public research institution located in Tucson, Arizona, known for its commitment to innovative education, research excellence, and providing an outstanding campus experience for its students and staff. The university offers a comprehensive array of services and opportunities, including a vibrant student life, cultural activities, and strong community engagement. Among its many departments, the Arizona Student Unions plays a vital role in enriching campus life by providing diverse dining options and event services that cater to the needs of the university community.

Within the Arizona Student Unions, the Culinary Department seeks a skilled and experienced Executive Chef II to provide leadership, oversight, and creative direction particularly in bakery products and specialty events. This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $65,687 to $85,393, reflecting the university's commitment to competitive pay aligned with the candidate's experience and qualifications.

The Executive Chef II position is integral in ensuring the smooth operation and continuous improvement of culinary services, focusing on bakery and catering for special events. The role involves the training and development of bakery staff, overseeing production quality, strategic planning, and culinary innovation to meet and exceed guest expectations. The chef will collaborate closely with the training committee to implement culinary programs and maintain high standards across all food preparation and presentation practices within the Student Unions. A key part of the role is to coordinate the purchasing of equipment and food supplies for VIP events, performing food cost analysis, and maintaining proper inventory and par levels to ensure efficient operation.

Additionally, the Executive Chef II will be responsible for compliance with health inspection regulations, managing equipment maintenance, and leading hiring and staff development initiatives that foster teamwork, mutual respect, and employee satisfaction. The position also acts as a liaison between the culinary department and administrative offices, assisting with payroll, scheduling, employee relations, discipline, and coaching to maintain a well-functioning team environment.

Ideal candidates will have expert-level knowledge in food and beverage preparation, advanced bakery and decoration skills, familiarity with kosher food practices, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple tasks and delegating responsibilities appropriately. Physical requirements include occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. The university offers outstanding benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance plans, life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members, retirement plans, and access to recreational and cultural activities.

Working at the University of Arizona means joining a community committed to innovation in work-life balance programs and to fostering an inclusive, diverse environment where professional growth and personal well-being are prioritized. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university emphasizes equal opportunity employment, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. This role offers a unique opportunity for culinary professionals seeking to influence university dining services and contribute to one of the most dynamic campus environments in the country.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience
  • 5 years of related work experience including 2 years of managerial experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience
  • ability to work in a fast paced and stressful environment
  • ability to multitask and delegate when needed
  • ability to occasionally lift a maximum of 50lbs

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience
  • 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience
  • expert level knowledge of food and beverage preparation and presentation
  • knowledge of large production kitchen equipment
  • expert bakery and decoration skills
  • basic mathematical skills
  • ability to work in a fast paced and stressful environment
  • ability to multitask and delegate when needed
  • knowledge of kosher food preparation and/or kosher kitchen practices

Job Duties

  • Responsible for all aspects of training and development of bakery products, specialty event designs needed for catering events, works in conjunction with the training committee to implement culinary programs as outlined for The University of Arizona
  • Provides input into and assists in the execution of a strategic plan for assigned department(s) consistent with the vision of the division and The University of Arizona
  • Provides input into and executes the development, implementation, and measurement of guest service standards within an assigned department(s) consistent with the company’s core service standards and brand attributes
  • Participates in the research, development, evaluation and implementation of new bakery and food products, services, technology, and processes to ensure The University of Arizona competitive position and in anticipation of changing customer needs within the dynamic hospitality/university environment
  • Purchases equipment and food for VIP Events, prepares food cost analysis, assures par levels, and serves as the culinary events coordinator for Food & Beverage
  • Coordinates activities with regard to health inspection reports and facilitates resolutions and preventative maintenance on all equipment
  • Oversees hiring duties for assigned department(s) to include creating a work environment that promotes teamwork, performance feedback, recognition, mutual respect and employee satisfaction
  • quality hiring, training and succession planning processes that encompass
  • Acts as a liaison between the department and administrative offices
  • Assists the Executive Chef with staffing and scheduling needs including payroll for the Culinary Department
  • Assists with employee relations, discipline & coaching

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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