Campus Executive Chef - Lead Menus & Culinary Team

Thompson Hospitality; Tougaloo (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

Paid Time Off

401(k) matched up to 4%

Disability insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Pet Insurance

Discounts at partner locations

Meal plan discount

Job summary

Tougaloo College is seeking an Executive Chef to lead our campus dining team, delivering high-quality meals that support student success and a vibrant dining culture. You will manage daily kitchen operations, design menus, control costs, enforce safety, and mentor a diverse culinary staff, with a 50–55 hour work week and a commitment to sustainability and service excellence.

This role partners with campus stakeholders, vendors, and the Thompson Hospitality network to ensure consistent,

Qualifications

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution and relevant certifications.
• Proven Executive Chef or high-level culinary leadership experience.
• Knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards.
• Experience with higher education food service preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse culinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in culinary software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus with cost efficiency.
• Provide culinary direction and maintain high quality and presentation.
• Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and give feedback.
• Develop and manage culinary budgets; control costs and waste.
• Ensure food safety standards and sanitation compliance.
• Coordinate procurement and vendor relationships.
• Stay current with culinary trends and sustainability.
• Commitment to 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Budgeting

Staff management

Communication

Culinary techniques

MS Office

Education

Culinary degree

Professional certifications

Tools

Culinary software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Tougaloo College is seeking an Executive Chef to lead our campus dining team, delivering high-quality meals that support student success and a vibrant dining culture. You will manage daily kitchen operations, design menus, control costs, enforce safety, and mentor a diverse culinary staff, with a 50–55 hour work week and a commitment to sustainability and service excellence.

This role partners with campus stakeholders, vendors, and the Thompson Hospitality network to ensure consistent,