Title Executive Sous Chef | Full-Time | Colorado State University (Performance Dining)

Colorado State University (Performance Dining) is a prestigious educational institution known for its commitment to excellence in academics, research, and student development. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, CSU prides itself on fostering a supportive and dynamic environment not only for its students but also for its staff and athletic teams. The university's Performance Dining service is a specialized culinary segment dedicated to supporting the nutritional needs of CSU's student-athletes. This department plays a crucial role in ensuring that athletes receive balanced, high-quality meals tailored to enhance their athletic performance and overall well-being. Performance Dining operates within a high-demand, fast-paced setting that requires precision, innovation, and a deep understanding of nutrition and culinary arts. The team is passionate about promoting health and athletic success through food, working closely with sports professionals to meet rigorous dietary standards.

The Executive Sous Chef position at Colorado State University's Performance Dining is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in an athletic-focused kitchen environment. This full-time role, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $65,000. The Executive Sous Chef will report directly to the Executive Chef and carry significant autonomy, particularly overseeing the daily culinary operations of the Training Table, a dedicated service that provides meals to over 150 varsity student-athletes. This leadership role is instrumental in managing the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring that each meal meets precise nutritional and quality standards aligned with performance goals.

This position demands early morning shifts, often starting between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM during the academic year, reflecting the unique schedule demands of collegiate athletic programs. The intensity of the schedule increases during critical periods such as football season, postseason competitions, and recruitment events, requiring flexibility and dedication. The Executive Sous Chef will lead kitchen workflow, prep scheduling, and service execution closely in line with athletic calendars. A core responsibility is to maintain high standards in food quality, portion consistency, allergen management, and presentation across all service periods.

Moreover, the role involves close collaboration with CSU sports dietitians to develop and execute menus that support athletes' performance, recovery, and body composition goals. The Executive Sous Chef must adapt macronutrient focus depending on practice intensity, game day timing, and individual athlete needs, underscoring the importance of tailored nutrition in sports performance.

Leadership within the kitchen is another critical component of this position. The Executive Sous Chef will supervise, train, and mentor line cooks and prep staff, fostering a motivated and accountable team environment. The position also requires upkeep of kitchen organization, cleanliness, and strict adherence to food safety standards such as ServSafe, HACCP, and CSU policies. Inventory management, ordering, and cost control are additional operational responsibilities, ensuring both quality and budget objectives are met.

Beyond the kitchen, this role involves engaging with student-athletes to build strong relationships by understanding their food preferences, dietary requirements, and cultural backgrounds. The Executive Sous Chef will also support recruiting visits and VIP events, providing high-quality dining experiences that reflect the excellence of CSU Athletics. Full-time benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with matching, and paid time off that encompasses vacation days, sick leave, and 11 holidays. This role will remain open until October 30, 2026, inviting passionate culinary leaders to contribute meaningfully to the success of CSU's student-athletes through exceptional nutrition and dining service.