Executive Chef- Tougaloo College

Tougaloo College, founded in 1869, is a distinguished historically Black liberal arts institution located just outside Jackson, Mississippi. Known for its legacy of academic excellence and social justice, Tougaloo prepares students to lead with intellect, integrity, and purpose. The college offers strong academic programs in the arts, sciences, education, and social sciences and fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and global awareness. With a tight-knit community, a rich history rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, and a commitment to service, Tougaloo College serves as a powerful launchpad for future changemakers. Students at Tougaloo don’t just earn degrees—they discover their calling while being part of a supportive and dynamic environment.

Thompson Hospitality is one of the largest restaurant, food service, and facilities management companies in the United States. With over 33 years of experience, it is built on core values of doing the right thing, doing the best you can, and treating others as you want to be treated. Thompson Hospitality prides itself on strong relationships with clients, guests, and communities and offers competitive benefits. Their commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in their equal opportunity employment practices.

The Executive Chef role at Tougaloo College, managed by Thompson Hospitality, is a unique opportunity to lead the campus dining team in delivering high-quality meals that enrich students’ lives. This full-time position typically requires working 50-55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. The Executive Chef will be responsible for daily kitchen operations, overseeing all aspects of food preparation, menu creation, staff management, and budget control. This role demands creativity, strong leadership, and a passion for culinary excellence as you design diverse, nutritionally balanced menus that meet the preferences of the university community while emphasizing cost-efficiency and sustainability.

As a pivotal leader in the campus dining environment, you will recruit, train, and mentor a diverse culinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth. You will also manage culinary budgets, control food and labor costs, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations and sanitation guidelines. The role requires establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and securing quality ingredients to support the culinary vision. Staying informed on emerging culinary trends and sustainability practices is essential to continuously enhance the dining experience for students and staff.

This position requires physical stamina due to the demands of standing and walking for long periods, lifting heavy items, working in fast-paced kitchen conditions, and adapting to fluctuating schedules including weekends and holidays. The Executive Chef must also demonstrate excellent communication skills to effectively operate in a noisy environment and lead a high-performing team.

Overall, this career opportunity offers the chance to make a tangible impact on student life and dining services within a historic academic institution, supported by a reputable hospitality company that values integrity, excellence, and diversity.