Chef Manager: Higher-Ed Scratch Kitchen, Union Experience

AVI Foodsystems; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; 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

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. The role oversees a 35-person union team, develops menus, and manages budgets, while ensuring top-quality service in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has higher education dining experience and strong organizational and computer skills, including inventory, cycle menus, and MS Office.

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct the work of cooks and 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.

Skills

Culinary management

Team leadership

Union experience

Budgeting & cost controls

Menu development

Inventory management

Food safety

Communication skills

Education

Formal culinary degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online ordering systems

Inventory software

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. The role oversees a 35-person union team, develops menus, and manages budgets, while ensuring top-quality service in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has higher education dining experience and strong organizational and computer skills, including inventory, cycle menus, and MS Office.