Executive Chef | Kalamazoo Event Center

About the Role

The Executive Chef leads all culinary operations at the Kalamazoo Event Center (KEC), a premier sports and entertainment venue in downtown Kalamazoo. This role oversees a dynamic environment including high-volume concessions, premium hospitality, banquet events, and daily athlete dining at the Western Michigan University Athletic Performance Center (APC). The position requires a systems-driven, hands-on leader who can execute at scale while maintaining quality, consistency, and financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Operations
  • Oversee all food production across concessions (marketplaces + concourse stands), premium suites and clubs, banquet and event operations, and the WMU Athletic Performance Center (APC) cafeteria.
  • Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and execution across all outlets.
• Athletic Performance Center Leadership
  • Lead daily operations of the WMU Athletic Performance Center cafeteria.
  • Partner with WMU Athletics staff to support athlete dining and performance needs.
  • Ensure consistent, high-quality, and efficient daily meal service.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop a large culinary team across multiple service platforms.
  • Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
  • Build a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Systems & Operational Excellence
  • Develop scalable systems that support both high-volume events and daily operations.
  • Optimize kitchen workflows, prep strategies, and production models.
  • Drive efficiency, speed of service, and consistency across all outlets.
• Financial Performance
  • Manage food and labor costs across all culinary operations.
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and inventory control.
  • Drive profitability through menu engineering and waste reduction.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
  • Lead HACCP and food safety programs across all operations.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner with F&B leadership, operations, and WMU Athletics staff.
  • Support event execution and continuous operational improvement.
  • Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence.

Requirements

• 10+ years of culinary leadership experience in high-volume environments.
• Experience with concessions, banquets, and multi-outlet operations required.
• Institutional or performance dining experience (athletics, campus, etc.) preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and complex operations.
• Strong financial acumen (cost control, budgeting, forecasting).
• Culinary degree preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 10 hours).
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Success in This Role

• Consistent execution across all culinary platforms.
• Strong cost control and financial performance.
• Seamless balance between event-based and daily operations.
• High-performing, engaged culinary team.
• Strong partnership with WMU Athletics.