CATERING EXECUTIVE CHEF- University of Houston, TX

Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 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

FSAs

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking an energetic Catering Executive Chef for the University of Houston. You will lead culinary operations for a high-volume university catering department, overseeing menu development, kitchen production, food safety, cost controls, and staff supervision.

The role requires culinary management experience, strategic menu design, and a proven track record in delivering flawless events from VIP tastings to large functions.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of culinary management experience 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement innovative, seasonal, and diverse catering menus that meet client expectations and university brand standards.
• Create custom menus for high-profile events, presidential functions, and VIP receptions.
• Monitor food trends and incorporate new techniques and offerings to keep menus fresh and competitive.
• Oversee all food production for on- and off-site events, ensuring flawless quality, presentation, and timing.
• Coordinate with catering managers and event planners to align culinary needs with event logistics.
• Maintain production schedules and event sheets, ensuring kitchen readiness for daily and large-scale functions.
• Manage food cost targets, labor budgets, inventory processes, and waste reduction strategies.
• Source vendors, maintain strong supplier relationships, and negotiate pricing to maximize profitability.
• Assist in menu pricing based on cost analysis and market conditions.
• Recruit, train, and mentor culinary staff, including sous chefs, cooks, and temporary event staff.
• Schedule and supervise kitchen teams to meet event demands and maintain labor efficiency.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture.
• Ensure HACCP compliance and adherence to health regulations.

Skills

Culinary Leadership

Menu Development

Event Execution

Cost Control

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Flex Schedule

Staff Training

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Salary:

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

Location: HOUSTON, TX

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.

Job Summary

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking an energetic and growth-minded Catering Executive Chef at the University of HOUSTON. This key leadership role is responsible for all culinary operations for a high-volume university catering department. This role oversees menu development, culinary execution, kitchen production, food safety, cost controls, and the supervision of culinary staff. The Catering Executive Chef ensures that all catered events—from intimate VIP luncheons to large-scale university functions—are executed with exceptional quality, creativity, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership & Menu Development
• Design and implement innovative, seasonal, and diverse catering menus that meet client expectations and university brand standards.
• Create custom menus for high-profile events, presidential functions, and VIP receptions.
• Monitor food trends and incorporate new techniques and offerings to keep menus fresh and competitive.
• Kitchen Operations & Event Execution
• Oversee all food production for on- and off-site events, ensuring flawless quality, presentation, and timing.
• Coordinate with catering managers and event planners to ensure culinary needs align with event logistics.
• Maintain production schedules and event sheets, ensuring kitchen readiness for daily and large-scale functions.
• Financial Management & Cost Control
• Manage food cost targets, labor budgets, inventory processes, and waste reduction strategies.
• Source vendors, maintain strong supplier relationships, and negotiate pricing to maximize profitability.
• Assist in menu pricing based on cost analysis and market conditions.
• Staff Management & Development
• Recruit, train, and mentor culinary staff, including sous chefs, cooks, and temporary event staff.
• Schedule and supervise kitchen teams to meet event demands and maintain labor efficiency.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture.
• Food Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, local health regulations, and university standards.
• Maintain proper sanitation, cleanliness, and organization of all kitchen facilities.
• Conduct ongoing training for staff on food safety and handling procedures.
• Quality Assurance & Client Relations
• Maintain exceptionally high culinary standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
• Participate in client tastings and high-profile events as a representative of the culinary team.
• Resolve issues related to food quality or service with professionalism and urgency.

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
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Work in hot, cold, or fast-paced kitchen environments as required.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed

are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• 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

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1566457

Chartwells HE

SARA C ST CLAIR

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