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EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF - Montclair State University - Montclair, NJ

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

At Gourmet Dining & Chartwells Higher Education, people are at the core of our business. Together we build innovative food service concepts and serve fresh, local and nutritious meals at over 270 college campuses across the country. Twice named the Fastest Growing Brand by Nation’s Restaurant News, at Gourmet Dining & Chartwells we take pride in creating opportunities for associates to grow their careers and achieve their development goals within the company.

Job Summary

Executive Sous Chef / Chef Manager – Campus Dining

High-Impact, Multi-Concept Dining Operation | Growth Opportunity

This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and growing organization in a high-visibility campus dining environment. We are seeking a growth-minded Executive Sous Chef / Chef Manager to lead a smaller residential dining hall serving 1,000–1,200 students daily.

This role is ideal for a chef who thrives in diverse, multi-concept environments and is passionate about global cuisine, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the full culinary and food service operation, including:
    • Inventory management, ordering, and receiving
    • Food and labor cost control
    • Menu planning and execution across 20+ global cuisines 
  • Drive exceptional dining experiences with a focus on quality, variety, and presentation
  • Manage and develop culinary teams while maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and efficiency
  • Oversee P&L accountability and contribute to overall financial performance
  • Implement and lead zero-waste and sustainability initiatives, including:
    • Local sourcing strategies
    • Waste reduction programs
    • Responsible purchasing practices
  • Maintain strong operational systems for inventory accuracy and product utilization

What We’re Looking For

  • Passion for multi-cultural cuisine and innovative dining programs
  • Proven ability to manage high-volume campus or hospitality operations
  • Strong leadership presence with a focus on team development and engagement
  • Hands-on, execution-focused leader comfortable in both kitchen and management roles

Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of culinary management experience in:
    • Contract food service (strongly preferred for your environment)
    • Campus dining, fine dining, or high-volume restaurant settings
  • Experience with:
    • Inventory control and purchasing systems
    • Food & labor cost management
    • High-volume, multi-station service models
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Food and catering trends
    • Production, sanitation, and presentation standards
  • HACCP knowledge required
  • ServSafe certification preferred
  • Experience with exhibition / interactive cooking highly desirable

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Exposure to 23 diverse cuisines / concepts in one location
  • Opportunity to lead meaningful sustainability initiatives
  • High-impact role feeding a large student population daily
  • Clear growth path within a well-established organization

Apply to Gourmet Dining today!

Gourmet Dining is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Gourmet Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_GourmetDining.pdf 

 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates 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.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Gourmet Dining maintains a drug-free workplace.


Req ID: 1537146

Gourmet 

KRISTINA MCCARTHY 


Nearest Major Market: New York City
Nearest Secondary Market: Newark
Job Segment: Sous Chef, Executive Chef, Chef, Culinary, Kitchen, Hospitality

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