Senior Area Executive Chef

Sodexo Campus Services is a leading provider of food and facilities management services, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those they serve and contributing positively to communities worldwide. As part of a global company with a commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions, Sodexo offers integrated services including food service, catering, and facilities management tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse clients. Specifically focusing on the higher education sector, Sodexo Campus Services partners with numerous university campuses, providing exceptional dining experiences and operational excellence to enrich campus life.

The role of Senior Area Executive Chef at Sodexo Campus Services is a dynamic and influential position, designed for an experienced culinary leader who can oversee and elevate culinary operations across multiple university campuses primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, with occasional travel to other locations across the U.S. This full-time position demands a hands-on leader capable of driving innovation, culinary consistency, and operational excellence in high-volume environments. The Senior Area Executive Chef will work collaboratively with both salaried management teams and hourly culinary staff, mentoring and leading teams across approximately 30 campuses. Their responsibilities include supporting Sodexo's culinary foundations program, ensuring compliance with the company’s culinary and safety standards, and implementing new dining trends and menu innovations.

This role places a strong emphasis on quality assurance, standardized food presentation, and the enhancement of the resident dining experience. The Senior Area Executive Chef will play a crucial role in recipe development, food cost monitoring, production forecasting, and inventory management, ensuring that every aspect of the culinary service meets Sodexo’s rigorous standards. Additionally, the role requires effective communication and collaboration with client leadership to align culinary strategies with client objectives and expectations.

Strong leadership skills are essential, as the candidate will be responsible for supporting hiring, onboarding, and professional development of culinary talent within the enterprise. Regular regional travel - approximately 75 percent of the time - is required to maintain a visible presence across campuses, facilitate training sessions, and ensure operational consistency. Ideal candidates will have at least five years of management experience, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and a strong background in high-volume culinary operations, preferably within a campus setting. Sodexo values diversity and inclusion, encourages employee growth, and offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision care, 401(k) with matching contributions, paid time off, and career development opportunities.