Executive Chef 4

Sodexo; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision care

401(k) Plan with Employer Match

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo Corporate Services in Durham, NC is seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a premier client. This leadership role focuses on driving culinary innovation, ensuring exceptional food quality, and delivering a best-in-class dining experience across high-volume environments.

You will partner with the Executive Chef to execute the culinary vision, mentor top talent, and implement sustainable, efficient systems while maintaining stringent safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of management experience.
• 3 years related experience.
• ServSafe certification and HACCP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations at scale across high-volume, multi-unit environments.
• Drive menu development, recipe production and plate costing.
• Coach, develop and mentor top culinary talent; hands-on training.
• Implement systems to improve efficiency, safety and quality.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu planning

Plate costing

Food safety & HACCP

Staff development

Culinary systems (FMS)

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Culinary management systems

Job description

Sodexo Corporate Services is seeking an Executive Chef to support a premier technology client in Durham, NC. This leadership role will drive culinary innovation, operational excellence, and a best-in-class dining experience

Partner with the Executive Chef to bring the culinary vision to life ensuring exceptional food quality operational excellence and memorable guest experiences. Drive strategies that support business goals while advancing sustainability elevated hospitality

About the job

Step into a high-impact culinary leadership role where your expertise will shape operations across large or multi-unit environments. You'll drive innovation in menu creation, coach and develop top-tier talent, and elevate standards through hands-on training and strategic support.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range

$103445 - $133870

What’s in it for you

• Lead culinary operations at scale, supporting diverse teams across complex, high- volume accounts.
• Bring creativity to life through hands-on recipe development, menu planning, and culinary production.
• Strengthen operational performance through plate costing, inventory control, and expert use of culinary management systems.
• Serve as a mentor and trainer, advancing food safety, FMS best practices, and culinary standards.
• Play a key role in recruiting and developing strong culinary talent across multiple locations.
• Use your systems knowledge to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.
• Represent the brand with confidence in client-facing presentations, new program launches, and retention efforts.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive culinary management experience in high-volume or multi-unit operations, with a proven ability to lead complex teams and deliver consistent results.
• Deep expertise in menu planning, plate costing, and recipe development, with a sharp eye for culinary trends and innovation.
• Technical skills and proficiency in culinary systems (e.g., FMS), along with exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to create processes, drive efficiency, and solve problems independently.
• ServSafe certification and working knowledge of HACCP, with a commitment to upholding the highest food safety standards.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 5 years
• Related Experience: 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.