Catering Executive Chef: Lead High-Volume University Menus

Compass Group, North America; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking an energetic Catering Executive Chef at the University of Houston. This leadership role oversees all culinary operations for a high-volume university catering department, including menu development, kitchen production, food safety, cost controls, and supervision of culinary staff.

The Chef ensures that events from VIP luncheons to large-scale university functions are executed with exceptional quality, creativity, and efficiency while maintaining HACCP compliance

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of culinary management experience, preferably in high-volume catering, hotels, conference centers, or university dining.
• Demonstrated success managing MILLIONS in annual catering volume.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to motivate diverse staff.
• Proven expertise in menu development, event execution, and cost control.
• Excellent organization, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and event-heavy periods.
• Physical requirements: stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Culinary leadership and menu development for high-volume university catering.
• Oversee food production for on- and off-site events with quality and timing.
• Coordinate with catering managers and event planners for culinary needs.
• Maintain production schedules and event sheets for daily and large-scale functions.
• Manage food cost targets, labor budgets, inventory, and waste reduction.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Team management

Cost control

Food safety

Event planning

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking an energetic Catering Executive Chef at the University of Houston. This leadership role oversees all culinary operations for a high-volume university catering department, including menu development, kitchen production, food safety, cost controls, and supervision of culinary staff.

The Chef ensures that events from VIP luncheons to large-scale university functions are executed with exceptional quality, creativity, and efficiency while maintaining HACCP compliance