Executive Chef 4

Sodexo Group; City of Oneonta (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo Group is seeking an Executive Chef 4 to lead culinary operations at SUNY Oneonta. This role involves overseeing all dining services, managing a large culinary team, and ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction. The position offers a chance to innovate in a vibrant university setting.

Benefits

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

Qualifications

• 5 years of management experience in culinary operations.
• 3 years of functional experience in food production systems.
• Strong understanding of culinary trends and food cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations in various dining and catering settings.
• Direct food production, purchasing, and quality assurance.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff in food preparation standards.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety

Inventory control

Communication

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Food service software systems

Job description

Role Overview

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!

Sodexo Campus Segment is seeking an Executive Chef 4 to lead culinary operations at SUNY Oneonta, a mid-size, four-year public university known for its academic excellence and value. SUNY Oneonta serves approximately 6,500 students and is consistently ranked among the top regional public institutions. This position is part of Sodexo’s long-standing partnership with Oneonta Auxiliary Services (OAS), where we have proudly operated as a showcase account since 1999.

As Executive Chef 4, you’ll drive innovation and excellence across residential dining, retail concepts, catering, and our on-campus bakery. You’ll lead a dedicated culinary team, ensure outstanding guest experiences, and uphold Sodexo’s high standards in food safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

What You'll Do

• Provide leadership across all culinary operations, including two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, a large retail marketplace, branded coffee shops (Starbucks, Argo Tea), and a robust catering program.

• Direct food production, including purchasing, inventory, menu planning, and post-meal analysis.

• Maintain culinary excellence and quality assurance by implementing Sodexo standards and recipes.

• Serve as a mentor and trainer to kitchen staff using Culinary Foundations and hands-on training.

• Oversee compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety protocols (e.g. HACCP, EcoSure).

• Lead and inspire a large team, including 115 unionized employees, 30 managers/supervisors, and 200 part-time student workers.

• Support strategic planning to meet client and financial goals while driving customer satisfaction.

• Develop strong client relationships and ensure account retention.

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.

What You Bring

• Proven culinary leadership experience in high-volume, multi-unit or campus dining environments.

• Strong understanding of food production systems, inventory control, and food cost analysis.

• Passion for food and a drive to stay ahead of culinary trends and innovation.

• Ability to train, develop, and motivate team members to achieve high standards.

• Expertise in food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational best practices.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset.

• Technological proficiency in food service software systems (e.g., inventory/ordering/production platforms).

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. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 5 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 3 years