UNC Executive Chef

Rocky Top Catering is a prominent catering service provider affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Renowned for delivering exceptional culinary experiences across a diverse range of events, Rocky Top Catering specializes in institutional dining, athletic venue services, premium stadium hospitality, and upscale catering both on and off the university campus. The company prides itself on from-scratch cooking, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality that supports the dynamic and high-volume nature of sporting events, university functions, and corporate engagements within the Chapel Hill community. The team at Rocky Top Catering is dedicated to building strong relationships with clients and guests by providing polished, client-facing service and consistently meeting the demanding operational needs of a multifaceted culinary environment.

The Executive Chef position at Rocky Top Catering’s UNC Chapel Hill location is a flagship leadership role instrumental in driving the culinary vision and operational success of the organization. This role requires a dynamic and highly experienced culinary professional who can lead culinary operations in a complex, high-volume setting that encompasses stadium events, athletic dining, luxury suites, corporate drop-off catering, and premium hospitality occasions. Reporting directly to the Culinary Director, the Executive Chef will act as an ambassador for both the brand and the university, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and teamwork among culinary staff.

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all culinary facets of the operation, ensuring that food quality, presentation, safety, and sanitation standards exceed expectations. This hands-on leader will balance operational effectiveness with creative menu development, cost control, labor management, and logistics planning. With a one-month-out planning approach, they will coordinate large-scale events by managing limited space, equipment, and staff efficiently in a fast-paced and high-profile environment. The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and develop culinary teams through direct engagement and coaching to elevate the culinary skills and performance of the staff.

This role demands exceptional organizational skills, business acumen, and the ability to multitask effectively amidst multiple concurrent events. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced setting, remains flexible and approachable, and is confident in representing the culinary brand to clients and university stakeholders. Working collaboratively with the Culinary Director and operations leadership, the Executive Chef ensures that culinary strategies are aligned with overall business goals, contributing to the continued growth and reputation of Rocky Top Catering. The role also involves supporting off-site catering events and working alongside other company kitchens as necessary.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $95,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience, along with the professional challenge and fulfillment of leading culinary operations at one of the most vibrant and multifaceted university catering services in the country. Candidates must be prepared for a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, consistent with the demands of stadium and event-based catering.