Chef Manager - Upper Iowa University

Aramark Correctional Services; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a culinary team, oversee kitchen operations, and deliver high-quality meals while driving guest satisfaction and financial performance. This hands-on leadership role includes developing staff, ensuring food safety, and bringing innovative menu ideas to life in a fast-paced environment.

You will collaborate with campus partners, mentor team members, and contribute to career development opportunities within the organization.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in a culinary leadership, kitchen management, or related role.
• Culinary degree preferred, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food production, menu planning, and kitchen operations.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
• Experience managing operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for delivering exceptional food and customer experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team by training, coaching, and mentoring kitchen staff.
• Supervise daily culinary operations to ensure exceptional execution and consistency.
• Foster employee engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
• Develop, refine, and standardize recipes to maintain quality and customer satisfaction.
• Create visually appealing presentations and establish high culinary standards.
• Plan, develop, and price menus balancing creativity, customer preferences, and financial goals.
• Support special events for students, faculty, staff, and community.
• Monitor purchasing, inventory, and consumption to optimize costs and reduce waste.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment operates efficiently and maintain compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team development

Food safety knowledge

Education

Culinary degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Great food starts with great leadership. As a Chef Manager, you'll do more than create outstanding meals. You'll lead a talented culinary team, build meaningful client relationships, elevate the guest experience, and drive operational excellence every day.

You'll take a hands-on leadership role in overseeing kitchen operations, developing team members, ensuring food quality and safety, and bringing innovative culinary solutions to life. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing creativity with business performance.

At Aramark, we're committed to helping our people grow. If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary leadership journey, we'll provide the support, resources, and career development opportunities to help you reach your full potential.

Job Responsibilities

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Train, coach, and mentor kitchen staff to build a positive and product team culture
• Supervise and coordinate daily culinary operations to ensure exceptional execution
• Foster employee engagment, accountabilty, and professional growth

Deliver Outstanding Culinary Experiences

• Develop, refine, and standardize recipes to maintain consistency, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Create visually appealing presentations and establish high culinary standards
• Plan, develop, and price menues that balance creativity, customer preferences, and financial goals
• Be part of special events for students, faculty, staff, and community

Drive Operational Excellence

• Monitor food purchasing, inventory, and food consumption to optimize costs and reduce waste
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is operating efficiently and properly maintained
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards

In order to meet our committments, job duties may change or new ones my be assigned without formal notice

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in a culinary leadership, kitchen management, or related role
• Culinary degree preferred, but not required
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food production, menu planning, and kitchen operations
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develope teams
• Experience managing operational challenges and making sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Execellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills
• Passion for delivering exceptional food and customer experiences

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.