Job Description

Do you strive to create amazing culinary experiences?

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef at the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, PA. University of Valley Forge is a regionally accredited Christian University of Arts, Sciences, and Professions on a beautiful 106-acre Chester County campus, with 25 undergraduate majors, 4 graduate majors, and dozens of credentialed and dedicated professors – all committed to the UVF mission to prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and world.

The successful candidate will directly impact all culinary operations by overseeing culinary innovation, standards, and programs, and by supporting, training, and developing executive chefs and their teams. Their focus will be on recipe execution, safety, and sanitation. The best-qualified Executive Chef will be able to balance a strategic, program-driven approach with strong, hands-on kitchen experience and the ability to achieve results through others. A critical element of the role is ensuring staff accessibility by being on the floor during service times and demonstrating strong leadership. This position manages all aspects of back-of-the-house operations, including ordering, inventory, staff training, and development, and is significantly involved in sustainability and local purchasing programs.

What You'll Do

• 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;
• Have a working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems;
• Implement those systems and ensure ongoing compliance across campus. Oversee concept development, menu design, and the implementation of new culinary concepts;
• Driving innovation and excellence in the university's dining program to meet the diverse needs and tastes of the student body and staff;
• Promote customer loyalty and brand image, diagnose customer needs, and recommend appropriate products or services;
• Thrive on tough challenges and use innovative thinking. Promote ingenuity and innovation among the culinary team.

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a 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

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• An outstanding culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams and stay current with new culinary trends;
• Ability to enhance the university's dining experience, ensuring high-quality standards, and delivering exceptional dining experiences to students and staff;
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest culinary standards;
• Strong coaching and employee development skills.

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. 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. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 2 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.