Campus Executive Chef: Lead Innovation & Dining Excellence

Bon Appétit Management Company; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Bon Appetit Management Company is seeking a creative Campus Executive Chef to lead culinary vision and day-to-day kitchen operations at Carthage College, with relocation to the Kenosha, WI area. You will drive exceptional food experiences while fostering culinary excellence, innovation, food safety, and team development.

The ideal candidate brings experience leading complex food service operations across multiple outlets and concepts, with a track record of mentoring culinary teams and

Qualifications

• Progressive culinary leadership experience in hospitality or related fields.
• 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.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent food safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary vision across multiple dining venues and service platforms.
• Develop innovative menus reflecting 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.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu engineering

Forecasting & financial reporting

Food cost controls

Multi-unit leadership

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

ServSafe Manager Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Food service management systems

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company is seeking a creative Campus Executive Chef to lead culinary vision and day-to-day kitchen operations at Carthage College, with relocation to the Kenosha, WI area. You will drive exceptional food experiences while fostering culinary excellence, innovation, food safety, and team development.

The ideal candidate brings experience leading complex food service operations across multiple outlets and concepts, with a track record of mentoring culinary teams and