Chef

Great Western Dining Service Inc.; Fort Dodge (IA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa is seeking a talented Chef. The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals for college students, faculty, and staff.

You will manage menu development, supervise kitchen staff, ensure food safety, and maintain cost controls while delivering an inclusive dining experience.

Qualifications

• Degree in Culinary Arts is preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in personnel management and leadership roles.
• Strong multitasking and organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of HACCP controls and safe food handling practices.
• Experience with budgeting, food storage, and inventory controls.
• Experience with P&L and financial reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee high-quality meals for students, faculty and staff.
• Develop menus, manage inventory, and control labor and food costs.
• Supervise kitchen staff, conduct training, and ensure food safety compliance.
• Lead safety, sanitation and maintenance programs within the kitchen.
• Maintain quality standards while managing team development and performance.
• Handle purchasing, supplier relationships, and departmental budgeting.

Skills

Personnel management

Multitasking

Leadership

Communication

HACCP knowledge

Budgeting & cost control

P&L reporting

Inventory controls

Training & coaching

Customer relations

Food safety

Microsoft Office

POS proficiency

Education

Degree in Culinary Arts (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

POS

Job description

Description

Great Western Dining Service is a forward-thinking food service management company that recognizes the profound impact of exceptional cuisine. We believe that food fosters connection, cultivates the community, and creates enduring memories.

We are committed to cultivating a professional environment that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Our diverse team members are empowered to contribute fresh perspectives and inspired ideas, resulting in distinctive and memorable dining experiences for our guests.

Great Western Dining Service offers a comprehensive benefits package, flexible scheduling that aligns with our core value of work-life balance, and robust opportunities for ongoing training and professional development. As we continue to grow, we are proud to provide accelerated career advancement opportunities for dedicated and driven team members.

Chef

Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa is seeking a talented Chef. The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals for college students, faculty, and staff. The role includes menu development, food preparation, supervision of kitchen staff, ensuring food safety compliance, and contributing to an inclusive dining experience that supports a diverse campus community.

Working as the Chef, you will be responsible for back of the house operations for the food service department. You will maintain a quality culinary program and process all financial reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Menu development, inventory, purchasing, labor and food cost controls, maintaining sanitation standards
• Participates in employee meetings and training programs
• Conducts safety, sanitation and maintenance programs
• Maintains food cost while ensuring quality standards
• Maintains an active role in managing team developments
• Personnel management to include hiring, coaching, counseling, training and developing.
• Manages purchasing and inventory controls
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned
• When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the account, and staff management.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Degree in Culinary Arts is preferred or equivalent professional experience
• Experience in personnel management
• Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask
• Maintains a positive attitude under pressure and ability to motivate a team
• Must possess a passion for excellence
• Must be knowledgeable on HACCP controls along with proper storage and use of food
• Purchasing, food storage and sanitation experience
• P&L and financial reporting experience
• Knowledge of budgets, labor costs, inventory controls
• Strong leadership, coaching and training skills
• Computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office and POS
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional business etiquette and client relations
• Knowledge of safe and sanitary food handling principles
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
• SERV Safe or Department of Health certification a plus

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Requirements

Physical requirements of the job:

• Continuous walking/standing and other means of mobility up to 8 hours a day
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push/pull and frequently lift/move up to 30 pounds