Executive Chef- Tougaloo College

Thompson Hospitality; Tougaloo (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

Paid Time Off

401(k) matched up to 4%

Disability insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Pet Insurance

Discounts at partner locations

Meal plan discount

Job summary

Tougaloo College is seeking an Executive Chef to lead our campus dining team, delivering high-quality meals that support student success and a vibrant dining culture. You will manage daily kitchen operations, design menus, control costs, enforce safety, and mentor a diverse culinary staff, with a 50–55 hour work week and a commitment to sustainability and service excellence.

This role partners with campus stakeholders, vendors, and the Thompson Hospitality network to ensure consistent,

Qualifications

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution and relevant certifications.
• Proven Executive Chef or high-level culinary leadership experience.
• Knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards.
• Experience with higher education food service preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse culinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in culinary software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus with cost efficiency.
• Provide culinary direction and maintain high quality and presentation.
• Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and give feedback.
• Develop and manage culinary budgets; control costs and waste.
• Ensure food safety standards and sanitation compliance.
• Coordinate procurement and vendor relationships.
• Stay current with culinary trends and sustainability.
• Commitment to 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Budgeting

Staff management

Communication

Culinary techniques

MS Office

Education

Culinary degree

Professional certifications

Tools

Culinary software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced culinary professional with a passion for great food and strong leadership? We're looking for an Executive Chef to lead our campus dining team and deliver high-quality meals that make a difference in students’ lives.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for managing daily kitchen operations, creating innovative menus, overseeing food preparation, managing staff, controlling food costs, and ensuring food safety standards are met. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the culinary experience on campus and be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus, considering cost-efficiency and sustainability while meeting the preferences and needs of the university community.
• Provide culinary expertise and creative direction to the culinary team, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop and manage culinary budgets, control food and labor costs, and minimize waste while maximizing operational efficiency and maintaining food quality.
• Oversee compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and organizational policies to ensure a safe and hygienic food preparation and service environment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors, negotiate contracts, and coordinate procurement for quality ingredients and supplies.
• Stay informed about culinary trends, emerging dining preferences, and sustainability practices to integrate new ideas into the menu and service, enhancing the dining experience.
• Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional certifications.
• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a high-level culinary leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards.
• Experience with higher level education food service and dining facility it preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage a diverse culinary team.
• Proficient computer skills, including culinary software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during long shifts.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and twisting.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle knives, cookware, and kitchen equipment safely.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
• Tolerance for exposure to heat, steam, noise, and open flames.
• Ability to navigate tight kitchen spaces and multitask efficiently.
• Visual and sensory acuity to inspect food quality, presentation, and safety.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are:

Founded in 1869, Tougaloo College is a distinguished historically Black liberal arts institution located just outside Jackson, Mississippi. Known for its legacy of academic excellence and social justice, they prepare students to lead with intellect, integrity, and purpose. With strong programs in the arts, sciences, education, and social sciences, the college fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and global awareness. Its tight-knit community, rich history in the Civil Rights Movement, and commitment to service make it a powerful launchpad for future changemakers. At Tougaloo, students don’t just earn degrees — they discover their calling.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.