Grow your career and develop a team that shares your desire to make a difference!
The Sodexo Campus Segment is seeking an Area Executive Chef to serve as the culinary leader for its Maine Region, overseeing food quality, innovation, and execution across 14 higher education campuses, including the University of Maine System, Maine Maritime Academy, and more.
This hands-on role sets the culinary vision, supports local sourcing initiatives like Maine Course, and partners with on-site teams to enhance menus, food presentation, and kitchen operations. The Chef also plays a key role in training, seasonal promotions, high-profile events, and new business development.
Extensive in-state travel is required to support culinary excellence across all locations.
Lead and support food production and culinary operations across 14 higher education units.
Drive menu innovation in Residential Dining, Retail, and Catering Services.
Support and coach culinary teams on technique, food safety, cost control, and execution.
Ensure culinary alignment with sustainability, wellness, and regional taste profiles.
Implement Sodexo programs, including online ordering, inventory management, and DRIVE.
Build and deliver training for frontline culinary staff to elevate standards and consistency.
Collaborate on new business proposals, seasonal rollouts, and large-scale campus events.
Travel weekly within the Maine region, with some overnight stays required.
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:
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
A Culinary Degree or equivalent experience in high-volume, multi-unit food service.
Experience in higher education dining, fine dining, or contract foodservice.
A proven track record in menu development, food/labor costing, and team leadership.
Knowledge of local sourcing initiatives, such as Sodexo’s Maine Course program.
Comfort with hands-on leadership, coaching in kitchens, and managing culinary operations.
Familiarity with online ordering systems, food safety regulations, and operational audits.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work across sites and teams.
Willingness to travel extensively within the Maine region.
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 - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years