
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $70,600.00 - $97,300.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Paid parental leave
holiday time off
Personal Leave
Associate Shopping Program
Health and wellness programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet insurance
Commuter Benefits
Employee assistance program
flexible spending accounts
Job Description
Fresh Ideas Management is a dynamic food service management company that believes in the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Fresh Ideas fosters creativity by cultivating fun and engaging working environments where openness, innovation, and new ideas flow freely. The company prides itself on its diverse workforce, which is passionate about delivering delicious, unique, and memorable dining experiences for guests. Employees enjoy a full benefits package, flexible schedules that honor the company’s core value of work-life balance, and numerous training and development opportunities designed to accelerate career growth and promotion. Fresh Ideas Management is rapidly expanding, providing motivated team members with the chance to grow their careers in a supportive and innovative environment. The company operates under the larger umbrella of Compass Group, a globally recognized leader in the food service industry, which supports stability and long-term growth for its employees.
The Executive Chef position at Fresh Ideas on the campus of Purdue University is a unique and exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial culinary professional. As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the food service team. You will prepare meals in accordance with Fresh Ideas culinary programs and guidelines, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation. This role offers the chance to build and lead culinary innovation in a campus environment that directly impacts the student experience. You will mentor a talented team, shaping a dynamic dining program with the support and resources of Compass Group. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the position offers more than just a job; it promises a high quality of life with a low cost of living, an easy commute, and a vibrant local food scene that offers inspiration and engagement for a passionate chef. Fort Wayne’s diverse culinary landscape ranges from elevated, chef-driven concepts to global street food and Midwestern classics, providing a rich source of new trends and ideas. The city’s revitalized downtown and year-round festivals and community events create an energized setting to live and work.
This role is ideal for an Executive Chef with extensive experience in high-volume, complex foodservice operations who is hands-on and driven to create exceptional food experiences. Working with Fresh Ideas means compliance with regulatory standards and participation in continuous professional development. Success in this role leads to accelerating career growth within the Fresh Ideas and Compass Group family. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, paid parental leave, holiday time off, and many other employee assistance and wellness programs. The company is committed to equal opportunity employment and a drug-free workplace environment.
The Executive Chef position at Fresh Ideas on the campus of Purdue University is a unique and exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial culinary professional. As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the food service team. You will prepare meals in accordance with Fresh Ideas culinary programs and guidelines, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation. This role offers the chance to build and lead culinary innovation in a campus environment that directly impacts the student experience. You will mentor a talented team, shaping a dynamic dining program with the support and resources of Compass Group. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the position offers more than just a job; it promises a high quality of life with a low cost of living, an easy commute, and a vibrant local food scene that offers inspiration and engagement for a passionate chef. Fort Wayne’s diverse culinary landscape ranges from elevated, chef-driven concepts to global street food and Midwestern classics, providing a rich source of new trends and ideas. The city’s revitalized downtown and year-round festivals and community events create an energized setting to live and work.
This role is ideal for an Executive Chef with extensive experience in high-volume, complex foodservice operations who is hands-on and driven to create exceptional food experiences. Working with Fresh Ideas means compliance with regulatory standards and participation in continuous professional development. Success in this role leads to accelerating career growth within the Fresh Ideas and Compass Group family. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, paid parental leave, holiday time off, and many other employee assistance and wellness programs. The company is committed to equal opportunity employment and a drug-free workplace environment.
Job Requirements
- A.S. degree or equivalent experience
- Three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience
- Extensive catering experience preferred
- Experience in complex high-volume foodservice operations
- Institutional and batch cooking expertise
- Hands-on chef experience required
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and email
- ServSafe certification preferred
Job Qualifications
- A.S. or equivalent experience
- Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience depending upon formal degree or training
- Extensive catering experience a plus
- Experience in high volume, complex foodservice operations highly desirable
- Strong institutional and batch cooking experience
- Hands-on chef experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends focusing on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
- Proficient with computers including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, E-mail, and Internet
- ServSafe certified highly desirable
Job Duties
- Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
- Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards
- Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets
- Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
- Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
- Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas
- Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
- Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
- Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines
- Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures
- Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures including occurrence reporting
- Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs as appropriate
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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