Executive Chef

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is seeking an Executive Chef to lead Dining & Retail Services. You will direct culinary strategy for residential dining, retail, and catering, ensuring high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences.

You will mentor staff, enforce safety standards, manage budgets, and represent the department with internal and external partners. Requires a degree and 5+ years in higher education dining management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a higher education dining environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets.
• Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms.
• Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees staff leadership, development, and supervision across kitchen production.
• Directs and administers menu development across all units with dietary consideration.
• Plans production systems, ensures quality and safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees UWM Catering operations, establishes catering standards and partnerships.
• Represents Dining Services to external stakeholders and supports academic partnerships.
• Analyzes food and labor costs, supports budgeting and operational planning.

Skills

Staff leadership

Communication skills

Food safety knowledge

Culinary program development

Budget management

Team development

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field

Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a higher education dining environment

Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets

Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms

Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles

Tools

POS platforms

Inventory systems

Job description

Job Duties

Under the general direction of the Director of Dining & Retail Services (DRS), this position supports the University’s mission by leading the department in delivering high-quality food services and exceptional customer experiences across all service areas.

The Executive Chef serves as the culinary expert and visionary responsible for food quality, menu development, culinary innovation, and presentation standards. Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for culinary staff and serves as a public representative of Dining & Retail Services.

This position has full responsibility for culinary program administration across multiple service platforms, including residential dining, retail operations, and catering services and requires the following:

Key Job Responsibilities

35% Staff Leadership, Development, and Supervision

• Directs, supervises, and develops kitchen production staff to ensure effective operations and quality outcomes
• Designs, implements, and evaluates training programs including food safety, culinary skills, and waste reduction
• Establishes performance expectations and conducts evaluations
• Promotes an inclusive and engaged work environment
• Oversees staffing plans and labor utilization

30% Culinary Program Management & Menu Development

• Directs and administers menu development across all units
• Ensures alignment with dietary needs and customer preferences
• Integrates seasonal and local sourcing
• Oversees recipe testing, costing, and documentation
• Collaborates on procurement standards

15% Culinary Operations & Quality Assurance

• Plans and evaluates production systems
• Enforces quality and safety standards
• Ensures compliance with regulations
• Monitors product consistency and service standards

10% Catering & Special Events Administration

• Directs and administers UWM Catering operations
• Establishes catering standards and oversees events
• Develops partnerships and expands services
• Monitors financial and operational performance
• Implements improvements and innovation

5% External Relations & Program Representation

• Represents Dining Services to stakeholders
• Supports academic partnerships
• Promotes culinary programs

5% Financial & Operational Support

• Analyzes food and labor costs
• Supports budget planning
• Evaluate customer feedback
• Assists with operational support and facilities planning

Department: Dining and Retail Services

Compensation: $85,000 - $100,000 Annually

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience-associate’s degree plus 8 years of management experience in a higher education setting
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a higher education dining environment
• Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets
• Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms
• Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
• Experience in university, college or large institutional dining programs.
• Experience supervising managers and leading multi-layered teams
• ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe

How to Apply

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide BOTH cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and will not be considered. In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidates(s) will be asked to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 07/23/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 07/22/2026. Applications submitted after 07/22/2026 may not be reviewed.

Contact Information

Questions about this position can be directed to Jennifer Brown ([e-mail])

Reasonable Accommodations

Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at [phone] for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.