Corporate Executive Chef

At Creative Dining Services, food is how we connect people, inspire communities, and elevate experiences. As our Corporate Executive Chef for Colleges & Universities, youll be the architect of culinary excellence, building scalable standards and systems that support strong performance while empowering local teams to execute with pride and creativity.

This is a highly visible, handson leadership role for a seasoned culinary professional who thrives on influence and impact. With approximately 75% travel, the role is designed for someone located near a major national airport who loves being on the move, mentoring chefs, jumping into kitchens, and championing consistency and creativity across campus dining operations.

Who You AreYou are an ethical, servicedriven culinary leader who inspires trust and collaboration. You pair strong financial acumen with a proven ability to lead culinary operations at scale, balancing creativity with discipline and innovation with consistent execution.

You are a hungry, humble, and smart team player who thrives in a peoplefirst culture and takes extreme ownership by aligning people, processes, and performance to drive excellence.

Above all, you believe great food brings people together, and you know how to influence and empower teams to deliver on that promise every day.

What Youll DoLead Culinary ExcellenceChampion and uphold enterprise-wide culinary standards, food safety practices, and quality expectations across all locationsServe as the culinary subject matter expert to guide technique, flavor profiles, sustainable sourcing, and wellnessfocused solutionsTravel regularly to client accounts, ensuring concepts are executed with precision and brand integrityPartner with operations teams to improve ordering, prep, production efficiency, and cost controlsDiagnose culinary and operational challenges, create corrective action plans, and deliver handson trainingProvide leadership and support for highprofile catering events and special initiativesInfluence Menu Development & InnovationContribute to enterprisewide menu planning that balances consistency, scalability, and market relevanceDevelop, test, and standardize new recipes that drive guest satisfaction and salesDesign and evaluate new dining concepts, including presentation standards and production workflowsCollaborate on redesigns of existing venues and launches of new food conceptsSupport New Business & GrowthPlay a key role in new business development, startups, and openings from sales discovery through post-launchBuild culinary strategies for assigned market segments, identifying capability gaps and growth opportunitiesCreate innovative culinary plans that enhance client engagement, employee satisfaction, and brand differentiationTeach, Mentor & InspireDeliver culinary training, demonstrations, and handson coaching nationwideDevelop chefs and field teams in culinary fundamentals, retail trends, and emerging food innovationsMentor incumbent chefs and support Certified Sous Chef Apprentices through the American Culinary Federation partnershipCollaborate Across the OrganizationPartner with Marketing to develop culinary standards guides and maintain brand consistencyWork closely with Operations and shared services to ensure adoption of systems, tools, and best practicesAlign culinary strategies with organizational goals and client commitmentsWhat You BringCulinary Arts degree (or related) and 10+ years of progressive culinary experience. Experience in higher education and across multiple sectors preferred. Proven ability to lead culinary operations at scale with strong financial acumen (food cost, labor, pricing, forecasting)Deep understanding of hospitality operations, guest experience, and evolving consumer trendsExceptional coaching and teaching skills with an eye for detail and consistencyStrong analytical mindset with ability to assess systems, workflows, and performanceProficiency with MS Office, recipe management systems, and business softwareServSafe and allergen certificationsValid drivers license and comfort with frequent travelWork EnvironmentExtensive nationwide travel (up to 75%) by air and carCombination of commercial kitchen work, client sites, and remote office environmentPhysical requirements include standing, walking, lifting (up to 25 lbs), and working in hot, humid, or cold kitchen conditionsFlexible schedule with extended or irregular hours typical of hospitality leadershipReasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

We OfferCompetitive pay and performance incentivesGenerous Paid Time OffMedical, dental, and vision insuranceHealth Savings Account with a company match of up to $1500 for qualifying plansFree mental health support through our Employee Assistance ProgramCompany-paid life insuranceShort- and long-term disability401(k) with a company matchTuition reimbursement and discountsWhy Join Creative Dining Services?

At Creative Dining, were passionate about people, partnerships, and performance. Youll join a purpose-driven team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. This is your opportunity to shape the future of hospitality partnerships while growing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Creative Dining Services operates over 80 locations in 16 states, serving colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps, and independent K-12 schools to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience one thats fun, innovative, and focused on community. Why? Because thats how it should be.

Our Core Values are:

IntegrityFlexibilityFamilyCreativitySensitivitySustainabilityDiversityOur team members are like family to us and to our clients. We get to know people by name and personal preferences to provide a welcoming home away from home for our guests and for each other.

Creative Dining Servicesis an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating allapplicants and employees 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.