Culinary Leader & Kitchen Operations Chief

Aramark; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark in Durham, NC seeks an Executive Chef to lead chef managers and a culinary team, shaping menus and delivering high-quality, guest-focused cuisine. The role drives production, presentation, and service standards while optimizing labor and food costs.

You will mentor staff, enforce safety and sanitation policies, and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring consistent culinary excellence across operations. The position is on-site and requires leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of culinary experience.
• 2+ years in a management role preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to simplify the agenda for the team.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the food profession.
• Experiential knowledge for management of people/problems.
• Strong communication skills (oral, reading, written).

Responsibilities

• Oversees culinary production to meet standards for quality and service.
• Manages chef managers and hourly staff to ensure food quality and presentation.
• Trains and manages kitchen staff in best-practice production techniques.
• Leads team meetings, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Ensures compliance with safety, sanitation and food-handling policies.
• Maintains relationships with clients and guests to support business goals.
• Monitors food and labor targets and cost controls.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team management

Menu development

Food safety

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Aramark in Durham, NC seeks an Executive Chef to lead chef managers and a culinary team, shaping menus and delivering high-quality, guest-focused cuisine. The role drives production, presentation, and service standards while optimizing labor and food costs.

You will mentor staff, enforce safety and sanitation policies, and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring consistent culinary excellence across operations. The position is on-site and requires leadership in a fast-paced environment.