Executive Catering Chef
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC
NC State Dining is seeking a visionary, high-energy Executive Catering Chef to steer our thriving $4M catering operation and oversee retail food production at the bustling Talley Student Union. In this dynamic administrative and culinary leadership role, you will balance creative artistry with operational excellence—crafting everything from daily retail favorites to high-profile, VIP events like the Chancellor’s dinners.
If you are a culinary professional who thrives on mentoring a talented kitchen team, staying ahead of food trends, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences, we want you to lead our kitchen!
What You’ll Do
Culinary Artistry & Innovation
- Set the Standard: Develop, test, and standardize innovative menus and recipes that incorporate modern food trends and elevate the campus dining experience.
- Flawless Execution: Oversee high-volume production while maintaining fine-dining execution, technical precision ("just-in-time" production), and visually stunning plating for VIP events.
- Tech-Driven Kitchen: Utilize industry software (NetMenu) to manage recipes, forecast accurately, and streamline production schedules.
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Inspire the Team: Direct, schedule, and mentor a talented Back-of-House (BOH) team, including the unit chef, sous chefs, and cooks.
- Smart Financial Management: Manage labor and food costs to hit financial targets, overseeing inventory, procurement, and budget planning without sacrificing quality.
- Grow Talent: Lead the hiring, onboarding, and continuous professional development of kitchen staff, building a collaborative, growth-oriented workplace culture.
Gold-Standard Safety & Customer Service
- Maintain Excellence: Ensure the kitchen consistently achieves a Grade A sanitation rating (95% or better) in alignment with ServSafe and Wake County Health Department guidelines.
- Client-Centric Focus: Partner closely with Front-of-House (FOH) teams, nutritionists, and campus partners to customize events, resolve issues quickly, and deliver exceptional customer service.
Who You Are
- A Dual-Threat Chef: You possess a proven track record blending large-scale catering production with elite, fine-dining execution.
- A People Developer: You love to coach, train, and build high-performing, safe, and positive kitchen environments.
- An Organized Leader: You can seamlessly pivot from the chopping block to administrative tasks, managing budgets, schedules, and cross-departmental communication with ease.
Apply on North Carolina State University at Raleigh's site
You apply directly with the employer.