Chef de Cuisine — Campus Dining Leader

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Campus Dining is seeking a Chef De Cuisine to lead day-to-day culinary operations in an assigned dining hall. This role provides hands-on leadership to deliver high-quality dining experiences, manage budgets, and maintain food safety and service standards.

The Chef De Cuisine reports to the General Manager and collaborates with staff, students, faculty, and partners to continually improve meals, nutrition, and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Culinary Arts preferred.
• 5 years of culinary management experience in hospitality or restaurant settings.
• Strong business judgment with financial and personnel management skills.
• Experience with menu management systems is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• ServSafe Manager certification within 30 days of hire.
• AllerTrain U certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Promote the vision and core values of Vanderbilt Campus Dining.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and agreements.
• Assist in forecasting and monitoring annual operating budget for financial sustainability.
• Develop positive professional relationships with staff, guests, and partners.
• Provide hands-on culinary leadership for high-quality dining experiences.
• Design seasonal and periodized menus with emphasis on quality and nutrition.
• Oversee kitchen activities including food prep, presentation, and sanitation.
• Supervise staff, manage schedules, and enforce union contract compliance.
• Forecast annual kitchen budget and analyze P&L to drive improvements.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Financial management

Communication skills

Time management

Customer service

Staff coaching

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vanderbilt University Campus Dining is seeking a Chef De Cuisine to lead day-to-day culinary operations in an assigned dining hall. This role provides hands-on leadership to deliver high-quality dining experiences, manage budgets, and maintain food safety and service standards.

The Chef De Cuisine reports to the General Manager and collaborates with staff, students, faculty, and partners to continually improve meals, nutrition, and guest satisfaction.