Campus Executive Chef

About the Role

Bon Appétit Management Company is seeking a creative, people‑focused Campus Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision and day‑to‑day kitchen operations at Carthage College. The role is responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences while fostering a culture of culinary excellence, innovation, food safety, and team development. Relocation assistance is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary vision across multiple dining venues and service platforms.
• Develop innovative menus that reflect seasonality, guest preferences, nutritional trends, and Bon Appétit’s commitment to scratch cooking.
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure a consistent and exceptional guest experience.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, flavor, and execution.
• Drive continuous improvement through culinary innovation and best practices.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary managers and kitchen team members.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture that encourages learning, creativity, and professional growth.
• Conduct performance coaching, talent development, and succession planning activities.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Manage food costs, labor costs, productivity, and purchasing to achieve financial goals.
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee inventory management, ordering systems, vendor relationships, and product quality.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Champion food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP principles, company policies, and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain readiness for health inspections and internal audits.
• Promote proper food handling, storage, and allergen awareness practices.
• Collaborate with catering and events teams to deliver exceptional special events and VIP experiences.
• Support menu development and execution for catered functions, campus events, and special programs.
• Ensure culinary excellence across all event formats and service styles.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Progressive culinary leadership experience within hospitality, food service, catering, hotels, resorts, corporate dining, or similar environments.
• Experience overseeing multiple kitchens, outlets, concepts, or service platforms.
• Proven success leading and developing high‑performing culinary teams.
• Strong understanding of food cost controls, labor management, inventory management, and purchasing.
• Experience creating and executing diverse menus in high‑volume environments.
• Knowledge of current culinary trends, sustainability initiatives, and guest preferences.
• Strong communication, coaching, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while balancing strategic and operational priorities.
• Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training.
• Multi‑unit culinary leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Experience within hotels, resorts, conference centers, destination dining, premium catering, or other complex hospitality operations.
• Experience managing large‑scale catering and special event programs.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent food safety certification.
• Experience with menu engineering, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and food service management systems.

Compensation

Salary: $90,000 – $110,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Comprehensive Benefit Package

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave
• Additional paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws