Senior Area Executive Chef

Sodexo; Ponder (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs

401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo in Texas seeks a dynamic Senior Area Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across six states with approximately 75% travel. You will manage culinary teams, drive innovation in menus, and uphold Sodexo's culinary standards.

This role requires a Bachelor's Degree, at least 5 years of management experience, and a passion for food. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary background with the ability to stay current with culinary trends.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Proven coaching and employee development abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire culinary teams across multiple locations.
• Create innovative menus using sustainable and local ingredients.
• Support VIP events and new account openings.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Communication skills

Coaching and employee development

Passion for food and innovation

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Senior Area Executive Chef – Universities (Multi-State Region)

Sodexo Universities is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Area Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across LA, MS, AR, TX, OK, and KS. This is a high-impact, visible role requiring approximately 75% travel. You will serve as the culinary leader for the region, supporting multiple sites, leading special events, and driving innovation and consistency across university dining programs.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and inspire culinary teams across multiple locations.
• Create innovative, trend-forward menus using sustainable and local ingredients.
• Support VIP events, presidential catering, and new account openings.
• Partner with operations teams to elevate food quality, presentation, and service.
• Ensure strong food safety standards and financial performance across accounts.
• Be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting.
• Ensure Sodexo Culinary standards, including recipe compliance and food quality, are implemented.
• Develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance.
• Have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems.

What You Bring

• Strong culinary background with demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest culinary standards.
• Strong coaching and employee development skills.
• Passion for food and innovation.

Additional Details

• Candidates may live anywhere within the region.
• Opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking, high-performing team.

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement.

Qualifications & Requirements

1. Minimum Education Requirement – Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
2. Minimum Management Experience – 5 Years.
3. Minimum Functional Experience – 3 Years.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.