Executive Catering Chef

North Carolina State University; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

PTO & Leave

Holidays

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking an Executive Catering Chef to lead a thriving $4M catering operation and oversee retail food production at Talley Student Union.

You will mentor a high-performing kitchen team, balance creative culinary artistry with operational excellence, and drive innovative menus for daily retail offerings and high-profile VIP events, including Chancellor’s dinners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Home Economics, Hospitality Management, or related field plus one year of food management experience; OR an Associate’s degree plus three years of food management experience; OR equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Five or more years of culinary management experience in a large-volume food service environment, preferably in a college/university setting.
• Professional culinary certification such as CEC, CCE, CCC.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and standardize innovative menus and recipes incorporating modern food trends.
• Oversee high-volume production with fine-dining execution and just-in-time plating for VIP events.
• Lead, hire, onboard, and develop the BOH team and cross-department collaboration.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Mentoring

Budget management

Kitchen operations

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics/Home Economics/Hospitality Management

Associate’s degree in related field

Tools

NetMenu

Job description

Essential Job Duties

NC State Dining is seeking a visionary, high-energy Executive Catering Chef to steer our thriving $4M catering operation and oversee retail food production at the bustling Talley Student Union. In this dynamic administrative and culinary leadership role, you will balance creative artistry with operational excellence—crafting everything from daily retail favorites to high-profile, VIP events like the Chancellor’s dinners.

If you are a culinary professional who thrives on mentoring a talented kitchen team, staying ahead of food trends, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences, we want you to lead our kitchen!

Culinary Artistry & Innovation

• Set the Standard: Develop, test, and standardize innovative menus and recipes that incorporate modern food trends and elevate the campus dining experience.
• Flawless Execution: Oversee high-volume production while maintaining fine-dining execution, technical precision (“just-in-time” production), and visually stunning plating for VIP events.
• Tech-Driven Kitchen: Utilize industry software (NetMenu) to manage recipes, forecast accurately, and streamline production schedules.

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Inspire the Team: Direct, schedule, and mentor a talented Back-of-House (BOH) team, including the unit chef, sous chefs, and cooks.
• Smart Financial Management: Manage labor and food costs to hit financial targets, overseeing inventory, procurement, and budget planning without sacrificing quality.
• Grow Talent: Lead the hiring, onboarding, and continuous professional development of kitchen staff, building a collaborative, growth-oriented workplace culture.

Gold-Standard Safety & Customer Service

• Maintain Excellence: Ensure the kitchen consistently achieves a Grade A sanitation rating (95% or better) in alignment with ServSafe and Wake County Health Department guidelines.
• Client-Centric Focus: Partner closely with Front-of-House (FOH) teams, nutritionists, and campus partners to customize events, resolve issues quickly, and deliver exceptional customer service.

Who You Are

• A Dual-Threat Chef: You possess a proven track record blending large-scale catering production with elite, fine-dining execution.
• A People Developer: You love to coach, train, and build high-performing, safe, and positive kitchen environments.
• An Organized Leader: You can seamlessly pivot from the chopping block to administrative tasks, managing budgets, schedules, and cross-departmental communication with ease.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Home Economics, Hospitality Management, or a related field plus one year of food management experience; OR an Associate’s degree in a related field plus three years of food management experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts
• Five or more years of culinary management experience in a large-volume food service environment, preferably in a college/university food service environment
• Professional culinary certification such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), and/or Certified Culinary Cook (CCC)
• Previous experience as an Executive Chef
• Previous experience with a computer food production program such as NetMenu
• 3-5 years management experience (planning, forecasting, ordering, budgeting)
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience

Required License(s) Or Certification(s)

• Serv Safe Certificate or ability to obtain with 90 days of employment.
• A valid North Carolina driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of start date is required.
• Food Allergen trained and certified or ability to obtain within 90 days of start date.
• Licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Vehicle & Driver Requirements

Valid NC Driver’s License required: Yes

Commercial Driver’s License required: No

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.