Chef Manager: Higher-Ed Kitchen Lead & Union

AVI Foodsystems; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Uniforms and meals provided

Free parking

Training and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Wellesley Fresh, a division of AVI Foodsystems, seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead culinary operations at Bates Culinary Center on the Wellesley College campus. You will supervise a union workforce of about 35, manage daily high-volume scratch cooking, catering events, and weekly pop-ups, while maintaining top-quality food and service.

The ideal candidate has higher education dining experience, strong organizational and computer skills, and a proven track record in budgeting and menu

Qualifications

• 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

Leadership

Menu development

Cycle menus

Inventory management

Microsoft Office

Online ordering

Budgeting

Food cost control

Education

Formal culinary degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wellesley Fresh, a division of AVI Foodsystems, seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead culinary operations at Bates Culinary Center on the Wellesley College campus. You will supervise a union workforce of about 35, manage daily high-volume scratch cooking, catering events, and weekly pop-ups, while maintaining top-quality food and service.

The ideal candidate has higher education dining experience, strong organizational and computer skills, and a proven track record in budgeting and menu