Executive Chef Hospitality

University of Notre Dame; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation incentive

Job summary

University of Notre Dame is seeking an Executive Chef for Catering & Hospitality to lead and supervise culinary operations across campus catering, restaurants, and cafés. This role establishes standards, drives quality, and oversees product, safety, and financial performance as part of the Council of Chefs.

You will direct menu development, staffing, budgeting, and safety while ensuring a best-in-class dining program for a distinguished client base of students and guests.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in food & beverage or culinary department-head roles, including direct experience in banquet operations.
• Background in higher education, hospitality, hotel/resort, or large-scale foodservice environments is required.
• Certifications: ServSafe (required within 90 days); ACF Certified Executive Chef (CEC) (required within 1 year); additional certifications in food safety or culinary leadership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily catering operations, including concept development, menu creation, purchasing specifications, receiving, storage, inventory, production, cleanup, and post-event reporting.
• Lead kitchen personnel and the CCE culinary team across catering and supporting outlets (restaurants and cafés).
• Manage operational decisions to align with yearly budget, ensuring cost control, waste reduction, and asset management.
• Enforce strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and risk-management protocols.

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field

Job description

Job Description

The Executive Chef for Catering & Hospitality is a working supervisory role responsible for establishing and maintaining a culinary standard that exceeds the expectations of distinguished clients and student populations. As a member of the Council of Chefs, this leader holds direct authority over product quality, asset security, kitchen productivity, and financial performance while supporting a "Best in Class" catering and dining program across campus catering, restaurants, and cafés.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Event Management: Oversee all daily catering operations, including concept development, menu creation, purchasing specifications, receiving, storage, inventory, production, cleanup, and post-event reporting. Lead the execution of VIP, campus-wide, and major on- and off-campus events.
• Team Leadership & Development: Staff, train, and direct kitchen personnel and the CCE culinary team across catering and supporting outlet facilities (restaurants and cafés).
• Financial Oversight: Manage operational decisions to align with yearly budget expectations, ensuring cost control, waste reduction, and efficient asset management.
• Safety & Sanitation: Enforce strict compliance with food and environmental safety, sanitation standards, and risk-management protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5–7 years of experience in food & beverage or culinary department-head roles, including direct experience in banquet operations. Previous background in higher education, hospitality, hotel/resort, or large-scale foodservice environments is required.
• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field preferred.

Certifications

• ServSafe Certification (required within 90 days of hire)
• ACF Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential (required within 1 year of hire)
• Additional certifications in food safety, allergen management, or culinary leadership are preferred.

Core Competencies

Advanced culinary technique, high-volume menu design, operational budget management, inventory control, and staff mentorship.

Additional Information

Application Documents

• Culinary portfolio
• Culinary certifications

Compensation

• Annual Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Relocation Incentive

As part of our commitment to attracting top talent, eligible new hires may receive a $10,000 relocation incentive. This incentive is designed to help offset relocation and transition expenses associated with accepting the position. Eligibility requirements and payment details will be discussed during the hiring process.

Application Deadline

August 21, 2026

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.