Executive Chef: Campus Dining Culinary Leader & Innovator

Direct Jobs; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is seeking an Executive Chef to lead Dining & Retail Services. You will direct culinary strategy for residential dining, retail, and catering, ensuring high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences.

You will mentor staff, enforce safety standards, manage budgets, and represent the department with internal and external partners. Requires a degree and 5+ years in higher education dining management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a higher education dining environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets.
• Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms.
• Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees staff leadership, development, and supervision across kitchen production.
• Directs and administers menu development across all units with dietary consideration.
• Plans production systems, ensures quality and safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees UWM Catering operations, establishes catering standards and partnerships.
• Represents Dining Services to external stakeholders and supports academic partnerships.
• Analyzes food and labor costs, supports budgeting and operational planning.

Skills

Staff leadership

Communication skills

Food safety knowledge

Culinary program development

Budget management

Team development

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field

Minimum of 5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in a higher education dining environment

Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets

Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms

Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Valid Driver’s License and ability to qualify to operate State of Wisconsin vehicles

Tools

POS platforms

Inventory systems

Job description

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is seeking an Executive Chef to lead Dining & Retail Services. You will direct culinary strategy for residential dining, retail, and catering, ensuring high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences.

You will mentor staff, enforce safety standards, manage budgets, and represent the department with internal and external partners. Requires a degree and 5+ years in higher education dining management.