Executive Performance Chef - University of Tennessee Athletics

About the role

As the Executive Performance Chef, you will plan, prepare, and execute innovative, nutritionally optimized meals for University of Tennessee Athletics. This role ensures all meals align with the team's dietary needs, performance goals, and individual player preferences while maintaining the highest standards of innovation, food safety, and quality.

Join Aramark, the largest U.S.-based food service provider, recognized by TIME magazine on its America’s Best Companies list in 2026. We offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, including participation in the prestigious ProChef certification program at The Culinary Institute of America (nearly 300 Aramark chefs are already certified) and the Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) competition, where top chefs prepare four-course menus for ACF Master Chefs. At Aramark, we value passion and dedication, providing opportunities to create innovative menus across the United States and shape our culinary culture.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the team nutritionist to develop meal plans tailored to players’ performance, recovery, and dietary needs, ensuring meals support game-day and practice-day energy needs, muscle recovery, and hydration strategies.
• Prepare daily meals and snacks for training, game, and pre-travel days, maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation in line with professional culinary standards and performance nutrition guidelines.
• Source and order high-quality ingredients in collaboration with the team dietitian to adhere to team nutrition guidelines.
• Create and provide accurate menu labeling, including allergens, for all menu items at training and game facilities.
• Adapt meals for players with food allergies, preferences, or special dietary requirements (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, high-protein).
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of food allergens and dietary restrictions, ensuring accurate menu planning, ingredient selection, and allergen labeling for athlete safety.
• Create, order, and provide health-driven grab-n-go snacks and hydration options for training and game facilities.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP guidelines, food handling safety, and sanitation standards while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, overseeing inventory and food storage.
• Manage, recruit, and collaborate with team chefs, catering partners, and performance staff to coordinate meals.
• Communicate with players and staff regarding meal preferences, feedback, and expectations of meal service.
• Create and adjust menus to incorporate innovative approaches addressing seasonality, cultural preferences, and festive themes based on the team schedule.
• Work closely with Athletics Department personnel on the overall management of training table operations and performance.

Requirements

• Preferred previous experience as a private chef for athletes or working in professional or collegiate athletics, high-end catering, or health-focused kitchens.
• Experience in sports nutrition or performance-based cooking (e.g., working with athletes, sports teams, or high-end catering).
• Knowledge of dietary needs for elite athletes, including macronutrients, hydration, and recovery foods.
• Understanding of supplements and supplement strategies as set forth by the team dietitian, optimal recovery foods, and hydration strategies.
• Experience with bulk meal prep and serving large groups efficiently.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience (3-5 years) in professional kitchens.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings (game days), and weekends.
• Strong food safety knowledge (ServSafe certification preferred).
• Excellent time management, organization, communication skills, and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Work/life resources.
• Retirement savings plans, such as 401(k).
• Paid days off, including parental leave and disability coverage.

Benefits vary by location and are subject to legal requirements, employee eligibility, and where the employee lives and/or works.