Executive Chef – University Dining

About the role

Premier Global Links LLC is seeking an experienced Executive Chef – University Dining to lead culinary operations within a large, multi-unit university dining program in Johnson City, TN. This hands-on leadership role oversees culinary operations, menu development, food production, catering, team leadership, food and labor costs, and food safety. The ideal candidate has experience leading high-volume foodservice operations and delivering consistent quality in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations within a large university dining program.
• Develop menus, recipes, and culinary concepts for diverse student and customer preferences.
• Ensure food quality, recipe compliance, presentation, and production standards.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop culinary and utility staff.
• Manage catering operations from planning through execution.
• Coordinate with catering, retail, culinary, and management teams.
• Manage food costs, labor costs, budgets, and operational performance.
• Use food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems effectively.
• Drive culinary innovation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and physical safety standards.
• Build strong relationships with customers, clients, staff, and university stakeholders.
• Support customer satisfaction and overall dining program success.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of management experience in foodservice or culinary operations.
• 3+ years of functional experience in foodservice, including restaurants, catering, institutional dining, university dining, or similar environments.
• Experience managing food costs, labor costs, P&L, and budgets.
• Experience managing catering from planning through execution.
• Experience leading and training culinary teams.
• Working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, and production systems.
• Strong food safety and HACCP knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to succeed in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• University, college, campus, or institutional dining experience.
• Experience managing a large-unit or multi-unit foodservice operation.
• Experience with retail dining, catering, concessions, or special events.
• Strong culinary innovation and menu development experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness programs.
• 401(k) with matching contributions.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Pay

$70,000–$75,000 annual base salary, based on qualifications.

Schedule

Sunday–Thursday | 12:00 PM–10:00 PM. This is a full-time, on-site position.