Executive Chef 2

Join a great team where students are at the heart of everything we do!

Sodexo's Campus Segment is hiring a Catering Executive Chef located in Orono, ME. The Catering Executive Chef oversees the culinary operations of a scratch bakery and commissary kitchen while leading production in a high-volume catering kitchen. Responsible for supervising three kitchens and ensuring the production of high-quality food for large-scale events and daily operations. The role is hands-on, with an emphasis on menu creation, client relations, and culinary leadership. 

Catering events will include high-profile functions, such as alumni fundraisers, community events, and athletic events (e.g., hockey or football games).

Are you the experienced Catering Executive Chef we’re seeking?

• Lead production in a fast-paced catering kitchen, ensuring high-quality food production for various events, including large-scale functions, athletic events, and more.
• Actively engage with students, faculty, and staff during service to ensure excellent customer experience and smooth operations.
• Manage catering production, from menu planning to execution, ensuring timely delivery of services and satisfaction of all stakeholders.
• Oversee labor scheduling, ensuring the right personnel are assigned to appropriate tasks, and optimizing team performance.
• Collaborate on the development of marketing strategies for the catering department, contributing to its growth and visibility.
• Lead and supervise a team of 20-25 culinary employees in a unionized environment (Teamsters), providing guidance and leadership.
• Maintain consistent communication with clients, ensuring their expectations are met and exceeded through tailored menu planning.
• Stay involved in hands-on cooking during service times (20-30% of time), ensuring the highest culinary standards.

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.

• has a work history demonstrating strong leadership skills, as well as previous supervisory experience and the ability to work collaboratively;
• has culinary production experience and a strong background in safety and sanitation compliance;
• has the ability to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate professional communication skills, and a passion for a high level of customer service;
• can demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks and exhibit flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as needed; and
• can demonstrate working knowledge of Sodexo Food Management Systems (DRiVE) and Market Connections (TMC), and is proficient in computer skills and report management experience or can quicky adapt to new technology-based systems.

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 - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.