Executive Performance Chef - University of Tennessee Athletics

Knoxville, TN, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

retirement plans

paid leave

work-life resources

Job Description

Aramark is a leading global provider of food services, facilities management, and uniform services, proudly serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries. The company is deeply rooted in service, committed to creating great experiences for its partners, communities, and employees alike. Known for its strong emphasis on employee development, Aramark offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and fosters an inclusive work environment where all individuals receive equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. At Aramark, careers are built to help employees grow their skills, fuel their passions, and empower professional advancement with access to excellent training programs and industry recognition, such as the ProChef certification program through The Culinary Institute of America and internal culinary competitions that celebrate innovation and excellence in cooking.

The Executive Performance Chef position at Aramark serves the University of Tennessee Athletics, a prestigious collegiate sports program with high standards for performance nutrition and culinary quality. In this role, the chef is responsible for the planning, preparation, and execution of innovative, nutritionally optimized meals tailored specifically to the unique dietary needs, performance goals, and individual preferences of collegiate athletes. Collaboration with nutritionists and team staff is critical to ensure that all meals support the athletes' requirements for energy, recovery, hydration, and overall well-being. This includes designing menus that accommodate game days, practice sessions, travel preparations, and special dietary requirements such as gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, or high-protein diets.

The role demands culinary creativity combined with a strong understanding of sports nutrition and food safety standards, including compliance with HACCP guidelines. The Executive Performance Chef manages menu development, sourcing high-quality ingredients that align with nutritionist recommendations, and executing meal preparation with impeccable consistency, quality, and presentation. The position also requires supervising kitchen operations, maintaining cleanliness and safety, and overseeing inventory control. Effective communication with athletes, coaches, and performance staff ensures feedback is incorporated into meal planning, leading to continuous improvement and satisfaction.

This position offers a unique opportunity for culinary professionals with experience in athlete-focused kitchens, high-end catering, or nutrition-driven meal preparation to make a significant impact on athletes' performance through innovative food solutions. Aramark supports flexible work schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and game-day shifts. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid leave, and work-life resources, ensuring a rewarding and balanced career experience.

If you are passionate about culinary innovation, dedicated to health and nutrition, and eager to join a leading food service provider committed to excellence and employee growth, the Executive Performance Chef role at Aramark serving University of Tennessee Athletics is an ideal career move. This position not only offers the chance to work in a dynamic sports environment but also to grow within a company that values the power of food to inspire and support elite athletic performance.

Job Requirements

culinary degree or equivalent experience
3 to 5 years of experience in professional kitchens
knowledge of sports nutrition or performance-based cooking
ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
strong food safety knowledge
ServSafe certification preferred
excellent time management and communication skills
ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Job Qualifications

preferred previous experience as a private chef for athletes or working in professional or collegiate athletics, high-end catering, or health-focused kitchens
experience in sports nutrition or performance-based cooking such as working with athletes, sports teams, or high-end catering
knowledge of dietary needs for elite athletes including macronutrients, hydration, and recovery foods
understanding supplements and supplement strategies as set forth by the team dietician, optimal recovery foods, and hydration strategies
experience with bulk meal prep and serving large groups efficiently
culinary degree or equivalent experience of 3 to 5 years in professional kitchens
ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings (game days), and weekends
strong food safety knowledge
ServSafe certification preferred
excellent time management, organization, communication skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Job Duties

work closely with the team nutritionist to develop meal plans tailored to players' performance, recovery, and dietary needs
ensure meals support game-day and practice-day energy needs, muscle recovery, and hydration strategies
prepare daily meals and snacks for training, game, and pre-travel days
maintain consistency, quality, and presentation of meals in line with professional culinary standards and performance nutrition guide
source and order high quality ingredients in collaboration with team dietitian to ensure adherence to team nutrition guidelines
create and provide accurate menu labeling including allergens for all menu items at both training and game facilities
adapt meals for players with food allergies, preferences, or special dietary requirements such as gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, high-protein
demonstrate thorough understanding of food allergens and dietary restrictions ensuring accurate menu planning, ingredient selection, and allergen labeling
create, order, and provide health-driven grab-n-go snacks and hydration options for training and game facilities
ensure compliance with HACCP guidelines, food handling safety, and sanitation standards
maintain a clean and organized kitchen, overseeing inventory and food storage
manage, recruit, and work with team chefs, catering partners, and performance staff to coordinate meals
communicate and interact with players and staff regarding meal preferences, feedback, and overall expectations of meal service
create and adjust menus for innovative approaches to address seasonality, cultural preferences, and festive themes based on team schedule
work closely with Athletics Department personnel on overall management of training table operations and performance