Executive Chef - University Dining Program Management

About the Job Posting

Lead culinary operations and people across a high-volume university dining program in Johnson City, TN.

Job Description

We are seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations within a large university dining program in Johnson City, Tennessee. This leadership role requires culinary excellence, strategic menu planning, staff development, and strong oversight of catering and retail services in a high-volume setting.

Role Overview

Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality food and service in a fast-paced environment, ensuring guest satisfaction and program excellence.

Position Summary

Provide culinary leadership within a large unit including menu planning, program execution, and staff management and training. Work directly with internal and external clients to manage the catering process from concept through execution.

What You'll Do

• Implement and coordinate the culinary function across the program.

• Direct and train cooks and utility workers.

• Ensure food preparation and production meet operational standards.

• Manage catering and retail areas.

• Drive customer and client satisfaction.

• Oversee financial management including food cost and labor management.

• Manage food safety and physical safety programs.

What You Bring

• Exemplary communication skills with the ability to lead a large team.

• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented and able to manage conflicting priorities.

• Demonstrated leadership and hands-on training approach; effective communication with culinary staff, catering staff, and management.

• Experience in managing food and labor costs, strong computer skills, and HACCP training.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

• Management experience: 3 years.

• Functional experience: 3+ years in food or culinary services, including restaurants, catering, institutional services, or high-volume operations.

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor's degree is the stated minimum, but equivalent practical experience is accepted. A strong substitute includes 3+ years of progressive culinary/food-service management experience, including team leadership, cost control, catering, and institutional or high-volume operations. Education should support screening, but candidates with substantial Executive Chef or large-unit culinary management experience should not be filtered out solely for lacking a bachelor's degree.

Schedule

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Location

Johnson City, Tennessee.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance: Yes.

About the Program

Join a large-scale university dining program offering resident dining, national brands, local concepts, concessions, and catering/VIP services. The Executive Chef leads culinary excellence across this diverse operation.