Executive Sous Chef

Compass Group USA is the leading foodservice and support services company recognized for delivering superior customer experiences through innovative dining and hospitality services. With over 284,000 associates nationwide, Compass Group operates across a diverse range of venues including award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, and museums in all 50 states. The company prides itself on creating opportunities for growth and fostering a culture of excellence by encouraging new ideas, attracting top talent, and continuously raising industry standards. Compass Group's commitment to great people, great service, and great results has established it as a trusted partner for institutions and communities across the United States.

In an exciting new partnership launching on July 1, 2026, Compass Group is joining forces with the University of Kentucky to provide integrated services for the campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs through Compass Athletics. This collaboration aims to create a connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, athletes, patients, fans, and the broader community by aligning foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, healthcare support, and athletics operations under one umbrella.

We are currently seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to join our culinary team supporting the University of Kentucky’s athletic dining program, known as the Training Table. This role is crucial in managing daily kitchen operations and delivering nutrition-forward meals tailored to the needs of collegiate athletes. The ideal candidate will bring extensive culinary expertise, a passion for high-performance sports nutrition, and a commitment to culinary excellence. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with sports dietitians and the broader culinary team to design and execute menus focused on performance fueling, dietary restrictions, and seasonal ingredients.

The Executive Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen activities, from supervising prep and line cooks to maintaining food safety standards and kitchen inventory. This role also involves mentoring kitchen staff to promote consistency, teamwork, and nutrition awareness in meal preparation. Beyond the kitchen, the Executive Sous Chef will support special events such as pre-game meals, recovery meals, and recruiting dinners, ensuring a seamless and professional culinary experience for student-athletes and staff.

Ideal candidates should have at least five years of experience as an Executive Sous Chef in high-volume culinary environments, with a minimum of three years working with training tables, sports nutrition, or high-performance dining programs supporting collegiate or professional athletes. A culinary degree or certification is preferred, and possessing or being able to obtain ServSafe certification is required. The role demands flexible availability, including evenings and weekends, to align with athletic schedules.

Compass Group offers a robust range of benefits and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices. All candidates will be considered fairly based on their skills and experience without discrimination. Compass also promotes a drug-free workplace and accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Join Compass Group and be part of a company that values innovative ideas, fosters personal and professional growth, and delivers exceptional culinary and hospitality services in a dynamic collegiate athletics environment. Apply today to become a vital member of the Compass family and contribute to the legacy of excellence at the University of Kentucky Training Table culinary program.