Senior Area Executive Chef

Sodexo Campus Services is a leading provider of integrated food service and facilities management solutions, with a strong focus on enhancing the daily experiences of customers and communities. Operating primarily within the educational sector, Sodexo specializes in delivering high-quality dining services and operational support to various campus environments across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, Sodexo partners with universities and colleges to ensure memorable and satisfying dining experiences for students, faculty, and staff. The company places a high value on diversity, inclusion, and employee development, creating a supportive workplace culture where all team members are respected, empowered, and encouraged to contribute their unique ideas. Sodexo offers competitive compensation packages and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and career growth.

The role of Senior Area Executive Chef at Sodexo Campus Services is pivotal in maintaining and elevating culinary standards across multiple university campuses. This leadership position involves overseeing culinary operations at approximately 30 higher education sites, mainly in the Mid-Atlantic region, with additional travel across the United States as necessary. As an experienced culinary professional, the Senior Area Executive Chef will be responsible for driving innovation in resident dining, retail eateries, and catering services, while ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and safety adherence in alignment with Sodexo’s established standards. The position demands a hands-on approach to leadership, requiring close collaboration with both salaried management and hourly kitchen staff to implement Sodexo’s culinary foundations program effectively. This chef will play a key role in menu development, recipe rollout, culinary training, and operational compliance, helping to create an exceptional dining experience that meets client expectations and enhances student satisfaction.

The Senior Area Executive Chef must bring a proven track record of success in managing large-scale culinary operations, ideally within campus environments or similar high-volume settings. This role emphasizes operational excellence, financial stewardship, and culinary creativity, requiring strong skills in food cost control, production forecasting, and inventory management. As a visible presence on-site, the Area Executive Chef will ensure that all kitchens perform at their best while adhering to food safety regulations such as HACCP. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in regulatory compliance and will proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement using data-driven approaches and food management systems. Furthermore, this role requires effective communication and collaboration with client leadership teams and Sodexo executives to align culinary services with strategic goals.

Given the extensive travel demands, approximately 75 percent regional travel mainly within the Mid-Atlantic area, the ideal candidate will be based within or near this region and comfortable working on the road to maintain close connections with the various facilities. Sodexo supports this position with fair and equitable compensation reflective of the individual’s education and experience, complemented by a robust benefits package. Ultimately, this role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned culinary leader to make substantial impacts on the campus dining experiences of thousands of students while advancing their career within a respected global organization that prioritizes quality, innovation, and employee growth.