Campus Executive Chef, Culinary Innovation

Do you strive to create amazing culinary experiences?

This position does require open availability and a candidate who is flexible with weekends and evening operations on campus. 

Sodexo Campus Services is looking for an Executive Chef 4. This Campus Executive Chef will be located in Fairfax, VA at George Mason University. This position will oversee 22 retail units, and 5 resident dining halls, and support catering operations.  George Mason University has approximately 7,000 students living on campus, with a total enrollment of over 40,000.  

The successful candidate will directly impact all culinary operations with oversight of culinary innovation, standards, and programs as well as supporting, training, and developing 8 unit executive chefs and their teams.  Their focus will be on recipe execution, safety, and sanitation. The best-qualified Campus Executive Chef will be able to balance a strategic, program-driven approach with strong, hands-on, kitchen experience and the ability to achieve results through others.  A critical element of the role is accessibility for the staff by being on the floor during service times and showing strong leadership ability. This position manages all aspects of back-of-the-house operations; including ordering, inventory, staff training, and development, and has a significant involvement in sustainability and local purchasing programs. 

• Be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis, and food production forecasting;
• Ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented;
• Have a working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems;
• Implement those systems and ensure ongoing compliance across campus.  Oversee concept development, menu design, and the implementation of new culinary concepts;
• Driving innovation and excellence in the university's dining program to meet the diverse needs and tastes of the student body and staff;
• Seeks to promote customer loyalty and brand image.  Able to diagnose customer needs and recommend appropriate products or services;
• Thrive on tough challenges and use innovative thinking.  Promote ingenuity and innovation among the culinary team;

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.

• An outstanding culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams and stay current with new culinary trends;
• Enhancing the university's dining experience, ensuring high-quality standards, and delivering exceptional dining experiences to students and staff;
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest culinary standards;
• Strong coaching and employee development skills;
• At least five years of culinary experience, with three or more years in a management role;
• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or equivalent experience preferred.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years