SENIOR CAMPUS EXECUTIVE CHEF, - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Job Summary

Are you a visionary culinarian ready to lead, innovate, and inspire? Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a Campus Executive Chef at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL where creativity, flavor, and community come together in a big way. As a key leader in our dining programs, you'll spearhead menu development and preparation, infusing creativity and precision into every dish. This role entails managing budgeting and food costing, ensuring client and customer satisfaction, and fostering employee training and growth. With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance professionally and make an immediate impact in our culinary landscape!  

Why the University of Florida?
Step into a campus that’s as energetic as it is beautiful:

🐊 Home of the Florida Gators, with one of the most recognized athletic programs in the country
🎓 A top-ranked public university with 50,000+ students, offering a vibrant, diverse campus environment
🔬 Known for excellence in research, innovation, and national impact
🍽️ A dynamic campus dining scene—perfect for pushing culinary creativity and scale

Why Gainesville, FL?
Gainesville offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, and energy:

🌴 Located in North Central Florida, with easy access to both the Gulf Coast and Atlantic beaches
🌿 Surrounded by springs, lakes, and nature preserves—including nearby Paynes Prairie and crystal-clear freshwater springs
🎶 A lively arts and music scene, with festivals and local culture year-round
🍊 A laid-back college-town feel combined with a growing food scene
🏡 Affordable living with a strong sense of community and Southern charm

Key Responsibilities: 

• Plan regular and modified menus according to established guidelines, adhering to standardized recipes and presentation standards. 
• Complete and implement daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. 
• Supervise and mentor chefs, cooks, and other team members on food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, and sanitation practices. 
• Ensure the implementation of culinary standards, including recipe compliance and food quality. 
• Manage inventory of food and non-food supplies, maintaining compliance with established guidelines while ensuring necessary products are available when needed. 
• Follow federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department procedures, as evidenced through audits conducted by local health departments and third-party entities. 
• Forecast annual food and labor costs and monitor actual financial results. 
• Foster strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving satisfaction and retention. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations. 

Qualifications: 

• A.S. degree or equivalent experience. 
• Five or more years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal degree or training. 
• Experience in high-volume, hands-on foodservice operations. 
• Must be experienced with computers. 
• ServSafe® Certified.  

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of shaping exceptional dining experiences at the University of Florida!