Senior Area Executive Chef - Sodexo

Sodexo Universities is seeking an experienced, dynamic and creative 

Senior Area Executive Chef that will provide regional support for the LA, MS, AR, TX, OK, KS and NE Markets!!

The successful candidate may reside in any of the above states, and will office virtually. Relocation Assistance is available for this amazing leadership opportunity! This position will require approximately 75% travel.

Sodexo is seeking a Senior Area Executive Chef with prior experience managing high volume/large scale culinary operations. Our Senior Area Executive Chef will be the face of Culinary in this region. You will create elegant and sophisticated culinary experiences that exceed culinary and service expectations while enhancing client program objectives and inspiring others to take your lead. This unique position is responsible for the organization and execution oversight of all culinary operations in this region for current AND future business in the University segment. The Senior Area Executive Chef will travel within the designated region; will support Presidential Caterings and VIP events within the region; lead District Chef activities; communicate with regional culinary teams; will serve as cross-divisional support; will provide menu consulting; and will assist with existing account retention and New Account Opening and catering events as needed. 

The successful Senior Area Executive Chef will have experience with, and proven results in, the following areas: 

Culinary Creativity: Follows culinary trends and innovates using local sustainable food sources and is able to translate ideas into unique menu and recipe programs that advance the culinary experience across the regional enterprise. Must have the ability to completely translate “authentic” cuisine to the customer in a competitive, international, and urban restaurant setting.

Leadership: Ability to effectively communicate with unit Chefs, Key Personnel, Catering Staff and Management Teams along with a passion and dedication to be “one of the best”. Must be highly engaged!

Training: Must be able to articulate and demonstrate a wide ranging variety of cooking techniques and skills (plate presentation, quality, safety, proper culinary techniques). Understands and can teach tools (Drive).

Financial: Ability to show proven results with food costs, labor and controllable expenses.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong and dynamic presence with the ability to be client facing at a high level;
• Large scale College/University culinary experience;
• Strong culinary background with experience in catering and banquets;
• Emphasis on food presentation, quality, execution, menu design, innovation & implementation;
• Focus on customer service excellence;
• Demonstrated experience providing strong leadership, direction and training, and mentoring to a diverse team of employees;
• Focus on food and physical safety and sanitation; understands the Sodexo standards and can be a strong resource with the ability to enforce these standards and make sure these high standards are being implemented at the units;
• Experience managing food and labor cost controls to meet targets;
• Strong understanding of financials as well as strong analytical skills;
• A desire to participate in Chef competitions and work with social media platforms to provide press releases with successes;
• CEC (Certified Executive Chef) credentials preferred!

If you want to be part of a forward-thinking, passionate, and dedicated team who strive each day for excellence, then consider joining the Sodexo team!

Sodexo offers a full array of benefits including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401K and access to ongoing training and development programs, tuition reimbursement, plus health and wellness programs.   

Not the job for you?
At Sodexo, we offer Culinary positions in a variety of business segments, including Corporate, Schools, Campus, Government and Agencies, Healthcare, Senior Living and Sports and Leisure locations across the United States. Continue your search for Culinary jobs.

Working for Sodexo:
At Sodexo, you will find the ingredients for a great culinary career. With benefits including schedules that encourage work-life balance, reimbursement of association dues and continuing education opportunities, you’ll enjoy an improved quality of life that’s unique in the hospitality industry

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Basic Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Basic Management Experience - 5 years

Basic Functional Experience - 3 years

Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.