Head Chef-Campus Catering

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking an experienced culinary leader for a full-time kitchen role in a high-volume catering/restaurant operation. The position requires advanced cooking techniques, staff oversight, and the ability to manage multiple events across locations.

Responsibilities include planning production, maintaining quality, and ensuring safety standards while delivering upscale menu items for varied functions. Strong organizational skills and prior supervisory experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced cooking knowledge and procedures; 1-2 years formal training or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years additional upscale and high-volume restaurant or catering cooking experience, including management.
• Must have good organizational skills and prior experience directing and assigning work to staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the preparation and production of food for catered functions and restaurant service.
• Set production schedules for events at multiple locations.
• Assign tasks to cooking staff and monitor progress.
• Estimate food production quantities to minimize waste.
• Prepare and cook a variety of meats, seafood, soups, salads, desserts and more.
• Determine plate presentation and garnishes for upscale dishes.
• Instruct staff in methods and use of equipment.
• Complete weekly inventory of food products.
• Order produce, dairy, and supplies as needed for events and operations.
• Set daily specials for upscale operations.
• Maintain high sanitation and safety standards in all areas.
• Coordinate delivery of food and supplies to event rooms.
• Assist with menu development and review new cookbooks for trends.

Skills

Upscale/high-volume cooking

Leadership experience

Food safety knowledge

Education

Formal food service training

Tools

Kitchen equipment operation

Truck driving

Job description

Pay Range

Pay Range 26.390-29.323 per hour

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate\'s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university\'s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level 08

Staff Level 08

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Hours

varies days/varies hours (all days and hours subject to change)

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code UF

Unionized Position Code UF

Job Description

Exercise judgment to plan, coordinate, and schedule the production of upscale and specialty menu items in a high volume catering / restaurant operation.

Education and Experience

Advanced knowledge of cooking techniques and procedures equivalent to 1-2 years of formal food service training or equivalent work experience is necessary.

At least 3 years additional upscale and high volume restaurant or catering cooking experience is required, including management experience.

Must have good organizational skills and previous experience directing and assigning work to support staff.

Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate the preparation and production of food for various catered functions, restaurant and food courts, such as dinners, luncheons, banquets and receptions.

Use judgment to determine production schedule for events occurring simultaneously and at various locations.

Assign tasks to cooking staff and monitor progress.

Use judgment to determine food production quantities for events / restaurant while keeping waste at a minimum.

Prepare and cook a variety of ordinary and specialty foods including all kinds of meat, poultry, seafood, soups, gravies / sauces, salads, fruits and vegetables, gourmet desserts, etc.

Determine plate / food presentation, such as garnish, display, etc.

Assist and instruct support staff in methods, procedures and use of equipment.

May complete weekly inventory of food product.

Determine product needs and use computer to order produce, dairy, and commissary goods.

Determine daily restaurant specials for upscale location.

Observe safety and health regulations and maintain highest standards of sanitation.

Gather food, equipment and supplies for delivery to functions. Deliver food / supplies to event rooms.

Assist with developing menus for catering operations and restaurant. Review new cookbooks and industry magazines to keep current with new trends, methods, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Standing 85% – 100% of the shift
• Frequent bending at the waist; able to bend to below the knee
• Frequent stooping and/or crouching
• Frequent walking back and forth throughout the kitchen, food service areas
• Frequent twisting and bending of head, neck and torso
• Full range of arm movement (extension, twisting, and bending of arm and shoulder, reaching overhead, stirring and mixing, wiping, etc.)
• Able to communicate with staff and respond to staff questions
• Visual and cognitive capability sufficient to read and follow instructions and recipes, etc., communicate and issue instructions/assignments to employees; perform math functions
• Frequently lifting and carrying 30 – 50 lbs
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs. overhead
• Visual and cognitive capability sufficient to read and follow recipes
• Repetitive wrist movement (e.g. chopping, cutting, slicing, shredding, flipping pancakes and omelets, wiping and scrubbing, etc.)
• Able to work in conditions of extreme heat
• Wrist and finger dexterity (e.g. utilize fine motor skills; ability to use tongs, scissors, knives, and other utensils; write; use of small kitchen utensils)
• Able to push and pull up to 250 lbs.

Tools/Equipment

Operate all equipment used in the kitchen including food slicer, grill, steamer, ovens, deep fryer.

Drive a truck or van if necessary.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues.

Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.