Executive Chef

Compass Group USA; South Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Compass Group USA is seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary vision across multiple dining operations. You will oversee full scratch kitchen operations, drive menu development, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while achieving strong financial results.

The role requires experience in high-volume, multi-unit environments, strong leadership, and a passion for culinary innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations in high-volume multi-unit environments.
• Strong knowledge of full scratch cooking and seasonal menus.
• Proven ability to manage food, labor, and costs while maintaining quality.
• Ability to mentor and retain diverse culinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across multiple units with focus on food quality and consistency.
• Develop and execute seasonal menus and daily features.
• Champion scratch cooking techniques and culinary innovation.
• Recruit, coach, and develop culinary team members for growth and retention.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance.

Skills

High-volume leadership

Menu development

Food safety HACCP

Team development

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Other Forms of Compensation: Comprehensive Benefit Package

A family of companies and experiences

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

great people. great services. great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

Job Summary

As an Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary vision across multiple dining operations, creating exceptional food experiences while fostering an inclusive, high-performing team culture. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through menu innovation, operational excellence, and the development of culinary talent.

Supporting a dynamic multi-unit environment, you will oversee full scratch kitchen operations, ensuring consistent quality, outstanding guest experiences, and strong financial performance. The successful candidate enjoys collaborating across teams, adapting to a fast-paced environment, and bringing creativity and leadership to every aspect of the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across multiple units, ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Develop and execute seasonal menus, daily features, and special event offerings utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Champion full scratch cooking techniques and culinary innovation while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop culinary team members to support engagement, retention, and professional growth.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards are consistently maintained.
• Manage food and labor costs through effective forecasting, purchasing, inventory management, and scheduling.
• Partner with operations leaders and clients to deliver exceptional guest experiences and achieve business objectives.
• Oversee production planning, recipe standardization, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Support special events, catering programs, and operational needs during evenings, weekends, and peak business periods.
• Foster a workplace culture centered on teamwork, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Experience leading culinary operations in a high-volume, multi-unit foodservice, hospitality, restaurant, or corporate dining environment.
• Strong knowledge of full scratch cooking, menu development, and culinary trends.
• Demonstrated success managing food, labor, and operating costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Ability to inspire, develop, and retain diverse culinary teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and HACCP principles.
• Flexibility to support operational needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences through food and hospitality.
• Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience preferred.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)