EXECUTIVE CHEFS - Gourmet Dining - Newark, New Jersey

Compass Group USA; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Parental Leave

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Gourmet Dining is seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for designated campus dining accounts across the New York region. This role blends creative menu development with hands-on leadership to deliver exceptional food quality, safety, and guest experiences.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team in a high-volume environment, manage food and labor costs, and collaborate with marketing and operations to introduce innovative dining concepts across multiple campuses.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree preferred with solid leadership experience.
• 3-5 years of progressive culinary management in high-volume settings.
• Strong cost controls including food and labor budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations for a designated campus dining program.
• Develop diverse menus reflecting current trends and client needs.
• Monitor food safety, HACCP, and quality standards daily.
• Manage food and labor costs while ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing culinary team.

Skills

Culinary leadership

High-volume dining

Food cost management

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

$90,000 - $110,000

Gourmet

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Eligible

At Gourmet Dining & Chartwells Higher Education, people are at the core of our business. Together we build innovative food service concepts and serve fresh, local and nutritious meals at over 270 college campuses across the country. Twice named the Fastest Growing Brand by Nation's Restaurant News, at Gourmet Dining & Chartwells we take pride in creating opportunities for associates to grow their careers and achieve their development goals within the company.

Job Summary

Gourmet Dining | Higher Education Accounts | New York Region

Lead Culinary Excellence Across Premier Campus Dining Programs

Are you a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a dynamic, high-volume environment? Gourmet Dining is seeking talented Executive Chefs to support our growing portfolio of higher education accounts across the New York region. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity, lead exceptional teams, and make a meaningful impact on the campus dining experience.

At Gourmet Dining, we believe food is an essential part of student life and campus culture. As an Executive Chef, you will play a key role in creating innovative dining experiences while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all culinary operations for a designated dining account, providing strategic leadership and hands-on support to ensure exceptional food quality and guest satisfaction. Bring your creativity, leadership, and passion for food to Gourmet Dining and help redefine the future of campus dining across New York.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a talented culinary team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork.
• Create and execute diverse, innovative menus that reflect current culinary trends and meet client expectations.
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Purchase products, oversee inventory management, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Drive new culinary initiatives and collaborate with marketing and operations teams to introduce exciting dining concepts.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance standards.
• Support catering operations, special events, and campus-wide dining programs.
• Ensure operational goals are met while delivering an outstanding guest experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive culinary management experience.
• Proven success in high-volume dining, foodservice, or catering environments.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing food costs, labor budgets, and inventory controls.
• Demonstrated leadership experience developing and motivating culinary teams.
• Passion for innovation, student engagement, and creating memorable dining experiences.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Desire to learn, grow, and build a long-term career with an industry-leading foodservice organization.

Why Join Gourmet Dining?

• Opportunity to lead culinary programs at prestigious colleges and universities.
• Creative freedom to develop innovative menus and dining concepts.
• Career advancement within a nationally recognized foodservice organization.
• Collaborative culture focused on professional growth and culinary excellence.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Associates At Gourmet Dining Are Offered Many Fantastic Benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely are eligible for paid time off benefits.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_GourmetDining.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Gourmet Dining maintains a drug-free workplace.