Executive Chef
Upper Crust Food Service isn’t just looking for an Executive Chef; we’re looking for a culinary architect to lead a premier, multi-unit dining program. This role is designed for a visionary leader who can balance the complexities of high-volume residential dining with the high stakes environment of collegiate athletics and large-scale catering. You will oversee a comprehensive portfolio for a campus community of over 500+daily diners. Focused on culinary excellence, sustainability, and technology integration, our program delivers full-service cafés, catering, and retail designed to enhance the campus life culture
What You’ll Do
•Orchestrate Excellence: Direct daily operations across a residential dining hall and a high-volume catering department.
•Innovate the Menu: Design seasonal, menu cycles
•Lead with Heart: Mentor a diverse team of 5-7 associates and 1 sous chef. We value a culture of "continuous growth" and are looking for a leader who can maintain our record of low turnover and high morale.
•Master the Financials: Take the reins of P&L management, food/labor cost control, and inventory auditing. You’ll use tools to ensure we stay lean, green, and nutritionally transparent.
•Multi-Unit Safety & Compliance: Systematically oversee workplace and food safety standards across the zone, including meticulous allergen management and regional regulatory compliance.
•Culinary Innovation & Strategy: Lead and support campus-wide initiatives, including seasonal menu planning, recipe development, and the integration of diverse culinary trends.
•Associate Engagement: Drive a culture of diversity and inclusion, proactively engaging with associates to build a representative and high-performing workforce.
•Talent Development: Strategically assist with talent identification, training, and the development of a leadership pipeline for the region.
•Quality & Experience: Oversee food quality standards and the guest experience at scale, ensuring that every unit reflects the program’s core values.
•Financial Stewardship: Provide sophisticated financial management to deliver on budgetary expectations for food, labor, and operational expenses across the multi-unit portfolio.
Qualifications
•5+ years of experience, specifically driving excellence in premier high-volume corporate or hospitality environments.
•Not intimidated by serving 500+ meals a day or executing a commencement gala for 1,200
•Servsafe Managers and HACCP certified, with a reputation for maintaining "Gold Standard" health ratings.
•Education: Degree from an accredited culinary institution or equivalent experience on the ground.
•Multi-Unit Leadership: A minimum of 5 years of multi-unit culinary supervisory experience within a high-volume, premium food service environment.
•Safety & Cultural Vision: Proven track record of driving and enhancing a robust culture focused on Food and Workplace Safety at a leadership level.
•Financial Acumen: Ability to manage complex multi-unit budgets, utilize advanced reporting platforms, and consistently meet financial goals.
•Communication: Ability to coach and teach individuals and large teams, while effectively communicating with high-level stakeholders.
•Operational Alignment: Passion for exceptional food, sustainability, and hospitality.
•Technical Proficiency: Technical skills, including a working knowledge of Google Suite tools (Sheets, Docs, Slides).
•Certifications: ServSafe Manager Certification is preferred.
•Spanish is a plus
Why Join Upper Crust Food Service?
We offer a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits. Ready to lead the next era of campus dining?
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave
Apply today to join a team dedicated to culinary excellence and student success.