Executive Chef 1

Sodexo; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

401(k) Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef 1 for Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado to lead culinary operations, standardize processes, and elevate student dining experiences through creative menus and consistent quality.

You will manage people, set direction, plan and procure high-quality ingredients, ensure food safety, mentor a diverse kitchen team, and partner with campus leadership to deliver nutritious, appealing meals that align with client preferences and budget.

Qualifications

• Education requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Management experience: 1-3 years
• Related experience: 1-3 years

Responsibilities

• Lead streamlined culinary systems to boost consistency and operational success.
• Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, developing future leaders.
• Oversee procurement and sourcing of high-quality ingredients.
• Design menus balancing creativity with client preferences and nutrition.
• Champion fresh ideas to keep dining experiences exciting.
• Cultivate partnerships with clients through exceptional service.
• Contribute to culinary strategy and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Menu planning

Organization

Problem solving

ServSafe

HACCP

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor degree

Job description

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef 1 for Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado.

This position will assist the Resident Dining Manager and work closely with campus executive chef to positively influence the student's well-belling and create a healthy learning environment.

About the job

Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You’ll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range:

$56270 - $72820

What’s in it for you

• Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
• Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
• Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
• Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
• Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
• Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
• Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
• ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 1-3 years
• Related Experience: 1-3 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.