Chef Manager - Higher Ed Dining & Union Team Lead

AVI Foodsystems; Sudbury (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms and meals provided

Free parking

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, vision, and life ins

Job summary

Wellesley Fresh, a division of AVI Foodsystems, seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead culinary operations at the Bates Culinary Center on the Wellesley College campus. The role oversees a busy, scratch kitchen and a team delivering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a union environment.

You will manage 35 union staff, drive menu development, budgeting, inventory, and ensure food safety while coordinating catering and special events.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary degree preferred.
• 3+ years of chef or culinary management experience.
• Union management experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing teams.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control food costs.
• Strong organizational, computer, and communication skills.
• Ability to work Tuesday through Saturday.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Uniforms and meals provided.
• Free parking.
• Excellent training, growth, and advancement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct the work of cooks and other culinary team members engaged in food preparation and service
• Lead daily operations of a high-volume scratch kitchen serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Manage catering events, pop-ups, and special functions
• Oversee food ordering, receiving, inventory, and cost controls
• Develop cycle menus and assist with menu planning
• Interview, hire, train, coach, and develop hourly team members
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards
• Maintain adherence to union policies, procedures, and labor agreements
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning
• Evaluate operational procedures and implement improvements to increase efficiency and service quality

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety & sanitation

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Education

Formal culinary degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Inventory management software

Job description

Wellesley Fresh, a division of AVI Foodsystems, seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead culinary operations at the Bates Culinary Center on the Wellesley College campus. The role oversees a busy, scratch kitchen and a team delivering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a union environment.

You will manage 35 union staff, drive menu development, budgeting, inventory, and ensure food safety while coordinating catering and special events.