Head Chef - Campus Dining Lead, Fresh From-Scratch Menus

Upper Crust Food Service; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Upper Crust Food Service is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen for a chapter house, planning fresh, from-scratch weekly menus and presenting high-quality meals. You will supervise kitchen staff, manage schedules, and collaborate with the chapter to deliver on-house dining standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, line cooking, and training the team to maintain cleanliness, safety, and compliance with local regulations. Strong communication with management is essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in professional, high-volume food production or catering.
• Culinary degree is a plus, not required.
• Manager-level sanitation certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Proficiency across cooking methods, cuisines, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work under pressure with composure.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fresh, from-scratch weekly menus, with regular menu meetings with the chapter.
• Create high-quality meals with excellent presentation and flavor, and send photos of plated meals to management.
• Keep the kitchen and dining room clean and sanitary — tables, grills, fryers, ovens, refrigeration, floors, and everything in between.
• Train and oversee kitchen staff, manage schedules, and assess performance with management's approval.
• Order supplies within budget and keep inventory stocked.
• Enforce food safety and sanitation standards per state and local regulations.
• Plan and execute special events as directed by management.
• Communicate regularly with management and the chapter by phone, email, and text.
• Hold the team accountable to every UCFS policy.

Skills

Menu planning

Team leadership

Staff training

Budgeting & supply management

Food safety

Event planning

Communication

Background check ready

Cooking methods

Education

Culinary degree (optional)

Job description

Upper Crust Food Service is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen for a chapter house, planning fresh, from-scratch weekly menus and presenting high-quality meals. You will supervise kitchen staff, manage schedules, and collaborate with the chapter to deliver on-house dining standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, line cooking, and training the team to maintain cleanliness, safety, and compliance with local regulations. Strong communication with management is essential.