Role OverviewSenior Area Executive Chef - Universities (Multi-State Region)Sodexo Universities is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Area Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across LA, MS, AR, TX, OK, and KS. This is a high-impact, visible role requiring approximately 75% travel. You will serve as the culinary leader for the region, supporting multiple sites, leading special events, and driving innovation and consistency across university dining programs.
What You'll Do- Lead and inspire culinary teams across multiple locations
- Create innovative, trend-forward menus using sustainable and local ingredients
- Support VIP events, presidential catering, and new account openings
- Partner with operations teams to elevate food quality, presentation, and service
- Ensure strong food safety standards and financial performance across accounts
What Makes You a Great Fit- Experience leading large-scale, high-volume culinary operations (university experience preferred)
- Strong client presence with the ability to build relationships at all levels
- Proven creativity paired with excellent execution skills
- Passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing diverse teams
- Strong financial acumen, including food and labor cost management
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC) preferred
Additional Details- Candidates may live anywhere within the region
- Opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking, high-performing team
What You'll Do- be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting
- ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented
- have the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations
- ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance
- have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems
What We OfferCompensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring- a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends
- excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of culinary standards
- strong coaching and employee development skills
- have a passion for food and innovation.
Qualifications & RequirementsMinimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years
