Executive Chef: Campus Catering & Culinary Innovation

Creative Dining Services; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily Pay Options

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company M

Paid Time Off

Training & Professional Development

Employee Support & Wellness Benefits

Job summary

Creative Dining Services is hiring an Executive Chef for Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. The role leads the dining program, overseeing menus, production, and guest experiences, with a focus on vegan/vegetarian options and dietary accommodations.

You will manage a team, drive food quality and safety, and oversee purchasing, inventory, and cost controls in a fast-paced campus setting.

Qualifications

• Culinary Arts degree preferred.
• 5+ years of professional culinary experience preferred.
• Previous culinary management experience preferred.
• ServSafe certification.
• Experience with high-volume foodservice, catering, conference dining, and special events.
• Experience creating and executing diverse menus, including vegan and vegetarian offerings, and accommodations for dietary restrictions and food allergies.
• Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and cost management.
• Proficiency with inventory, purchasing, and foodservice ordering systems.
• Higher education or college/university dining experience preferred.
• American Culinary Federation membership preferred.
• A passion for developing people and creating exceptional dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary operation while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, safety, nutrition, and financial performance.
• Lead & Inspire: Hire, train, schedule, coach, and develop culinary team members while building a positive, high-performing kitchen culture.
• Create Exceptional Food: Oversee daily culinary production and ensure menus, recipes, and presentations consistently exceed expectations.
• Drive Culinary Innovation: Develop menus and recipes that showcase diverse cuisines while meeting vegan, vegetarian, allergen, and dietary accommodation needs.
• Execute Memorable Events: Lead culinary execution for campus dining, conference services, catering functions, buffet events, and formal plated meals.
• Manage the Business: Oversee purchasing, inventory, food cost controls, and kitchen financial performance in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Set the Standard: Establish and maintain food quality, production, sanitation, and safety standards throughout the operation.
• Collaborate Across Campus: Partner with dining leadership, campus stakeholders, students, and guests to continually enhance the dining experience.
• Develop Your Team: Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities that help team members succeed professionally.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Menu development

Cost controls

Inventory management

Vendor relations

Education

Culinary Arts degree preferred

ServSafe certification

American Culinary Federation membership preferred

Job description

Creative Dining Services is hiring an Executive Chef for Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. The role leads the dining program, overseeing menus, production, and guest experiences, with a focus on vegan/vegetarian options and dietary accommodations.

You will manage a team, drive food quality and safety, and oversee purchasing, inventory, and cost controls in a fast-paced campus setting.