Senior Area Executive Chef

Sodexo is a global leader in food services and facilities management, dedicated to improving the quality of life for the clients and communities it serves. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, Sodexo operates in various sectors including healthcare, education, corporate, and government facilities. In North Carolina, Sodexo partners with Cape Fear Valley Health, one of the largest health systems in the state, providing comprehensive culinary and support services across multiple hospital campuses. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, located in Fayetteville, NC, is a trauma level III acute care hospital with 733 licensed beds and 78 rehabilitation beds. It is part of the Cape Fear Valley Health System, which serves a six-county region in Southeastern North Carolina, handling over 935,000 patient visits annually.

The role of Senior Area Executive Chef at Cape Fear Valley Health represents a crucial leadership position within Sodexo’s healthcare food service team. This senior chef role involves overseeing and supporting culinary operations across six hospitals in the district, ensuring highest standards of food quality, safety, and compliance. The position demands a blend of culinary expertise, management skill, and strategic oversight. The Senior Area Executive Chef will be responsible for a diverse range of tasks including purchasing, menu compliance, inventory control, food cost analysis, and food production forecasting. They will serve as a resource and leader for district support functions such as staff training, catering service oversight, and professional development programs.

In this role, the Senior Area Executive Chef will ensure adherence to Sodexo culinary standards by monitoring recipe compliance and food quality across all sites. A key aspect of the position is motivating team members to embrace culinary innovations that enhance patient and customer satisfaction. A thorough understanding of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety protocols is essential to guarantee a safe and compliant working environment. Candidates are expected to have familiarity or working knowledge of automated inventory, ordering, production, and management systems that streamline foodservice operations. Sodexo offers candidates a fair and equitable compensation package, which is partially determined by education and relevant experience. Additionally, Sodexo provides a comprehensive benefits package featuring medical, dental, vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions, paid time off, holidays, career growth opportunities, and tuition reimbursement.

This senior leadership position is ideal for culinary professionals with a strong background in contemporary food trends and innovation, proven leadership capabilities, and excellent communication skills. The Senior Area Executive Chef will play a vital role in developing and coaching staff to maintain the highest culinary standards and achieve operational excellence. Sodexo’s mission to create a better everyday experience for employees and clients is reflected in this role’s focus on teamwork, respect, and professional growth. Candidates who join Sodexo can expect a collaborative culture that values individual contributions and fosters an inclusive workplace where everyone’s voice is heard and diversity is celebrated. As a member of the Sodexo team at Cape Fear Valley Health, the Senior Area Executive Chef will lead culinary teams in delivering nutritious, quality meals that support patient wellness and community health.