Executive Chef - University of Tennessee Athletics

Aramark, a leading global food service provider with operations in 15 countries, proudly serves millions of guests every day. Rooted in service and united by a strong sense of purpose, Aramark is committed to doing great things for its employees, partners, communities, and the planet. The company values equal employment opportunities and fosters an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

The University of Tennessee Athletics Department has partnered with Aramark to manage the culinary operations across its prestigious venues, including Neyland Stadium, Thompson-Boling Arena, Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, and Regal Soccer Stadium. Neyland Stadium is one of the largest and most iconic stadiums in the world, seating over 101,000 guests and showcasing more than a century of celebrated history. In addition to football, these venues host basketball, baseball, soccer, concerts, and special events, requiring a dedicated culinary team to provide unparalleled food and beverage experiences.

The Executive Chef role is a management position that oversees the entire culinary operation within University of Tennessee Athletics venues. This individual is responsible for leading and developing a talented culinary staff, which includes managing chef managers and hourly kitchen employees. The Executive Chef must ensure that the food production aligns with quality, presentation, and service standards. They must apply advanced culinary techniques to food preparation and maintain the highest level of food safety and quality. The role demands a strong culinary leader who can create innovative menus tailored to the tastes and expectations of fans, students, alumni, and guests, enhancing the overall athletic experience.

This role also involves strategic management of culinary operations, including training and coaching employees, conducting team meetings and daily huddles, maintaining staff records, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality assurance standards. The Executive Chef plays a critical role in client and guest engagement, promoting positive relationships and delivering superior food and beverage service.

In addition, the Executive Chef must demonstrate a sound understanding of supply chain management and procurement processes, ensuring authorized suppliers provide the highest quality ingredients. They are tasked with managing food and labor costs by closely monitoring performance data, order trends, and inventory. Efficiency, margin improvement, and adherence to Aramark's operational excellence fundamentals are vital elements of this role.

Beyond operational duties, this position offers an exciting professional development opportunity with Aramark. As part of the company’s commitment to culinary excellence, Executive Chefs at Aramark can participate in the prestigious ProChef certification program offered by The Culinary Institute of America. This initiative, along with the Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) competition, provides avenues for culinary professionals to hone their skills, gain recognition, and contribute innovatively in their culinary career.

By joining Aramark as the Executive Chef for University of Tennessee Athletics, you become part of a team dedicated to providing immersive dining experiences in collegiate sports. You will have the chance to develop professionally, lead a diverse team, and influence the culinary landscape at world-renowned venues, helping Tennessee Athletics maintain its legacy of excellence and innovation in fan engagement and food service.