Executive Chef- University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The Executive Chef at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Dining Facility holds a pivotal role in leading the culinary operations. This position involves overseeing menu creation, food preparation, staff management, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The Executive Chef plays a key role in providing a high-quality dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.

• Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus, considering cost-efficiency and sustainability while meeting the preferences and needs of the university community.
• Provide culinary expertise and creative direction to the culinary team, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop and manage culinary budgets, control food and labor costs, and minimize waste while maximizing operational efficiency and maintaining food quality.
• Oversee compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and organizational policies to ensure a safe and hygienic food preparation and service environment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors, negotiate contracts, and coordinate procurement for quality ingredients and supplies.
• Stay informed about culinary trends, emerging dining preferences, and sustainability practices to integrate new ideas into the menu and service, enhancing the dining experience.

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional certifications.
• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a high-level culinary leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards.
• Experience with higher level education food service and dining facility it preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage a diverse culinary team.
• Proficient computer skills, including culinary software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 10–12 hours per shift), especially during meal prep and service.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (e.g., bulk food items, equipment, inventory).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and twisting during food preparation and equipment handling.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for chopping, slicing, plating, and using kitchen tools and machinery.
• Ability to work in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ability to move freely in large kitchen spaces, storage areas, and multiple dining facilities across campus.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.
• May require climbing ladders or using step stools to access upper storage or equipment.

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are: 

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a proud historically Black university with a rich legacy of academic excellence, community engagement, and cultural heritage. Located on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore, we’re more than just a campus—we’re a close-knit community driven by purpose and passion. At UMES, we believe in empowering our students and supporting our team members. When you join us, you're not just taking a job—you're becoming part of a mission to inspire, uplift, and lead the next generation.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities.  We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.