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.