Are you a culinary maestro with a passion for elevating hospitality experiences through Innovation, Sustainability and creating passion within your culinary team?
Sodexo is seeking a dynamic and innovative Executive Chef (Culinary Director) to lead our culinary operations at Gonzaga University – a Sodexo Center of Excellence and long-time Campus Dining Partner – in Spokane, WA.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE is available for this amazing culinary career step!
As the Senior Executive Chef, you'll be the culinary architect leading our kitchen brigade to new heights of excellence. Your role involves overseeing the entire culinary operation, from conceptualizing innovative menus to leading a talented team of chefs dedicated to culinary excellence from Student Resident Dining for over 21,000 meals a week, to an extensive production kitchen, to high end and high volume catering. Your creative flair, backed by strong leadership skills, will set the standard for culinary innovation, quality, and efficiency within our organization.
Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who have:
Strategic Leadership: Craft and implement culinary strategies that reflect our commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional hospitality experiences.Team Empowerment: Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of chefs, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Menu Development: Curate diverse and appealing menus for various hospitality outlets, ensuring they align with the latest culinary trends, sustainability, dietary needs, and campus preferences.Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day culinary operations, driving efficiency, and maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.Client Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with clients, collaborating closely to understand and exceed their culinary expectations.
Are You the One? We are seeking:
Proven Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a senior culinary leadership role, preferably in a university or large-scale hospitality environment.Innovative Mindset: Stay ahead of culinary trends, bringing fresh and creative ideas to the table.Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and diverse personalities.Culinary Credentials: Formal culinary education or equivalent experience, with a passion for continuous learning.
Why Join Sodexo at Gonzaga Univ?
We have partnered with Gonzaga for over 65 years, leading current campus dining trends.Our team is committed to creating the best possible dining experience. It is community experience centered on culinary expertise, fresh ingredients, healthy options and a shared sense of environmental and social responsibility.Sustainability Initiatives – Community involvement with Northwest Food Hub and local farmers, Collaborate with Gonzaga campus to focus on Ethical Purchasing; Develop local Catering Consortium, and more!Contribute to a culture that values creativity and pushes the boundaries of culinary excellence.Great Career Visibility – be a Culinary Leader in Pacific North West – both for Sodexo and in your Culinary Career. This is a very innovative, high profile role!
Learn more about Gonzaga University HERE
Sound like the type of Culinary Leadership you are seeking? APPLY TODAY and join Sodexo at Gonzaga University!
Sodexo offers a full array of benefits including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401K and access to ongoing training and development programs, tuition reimbursement, plus health and wellness programs.
What We OfferCompensation 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 Programs401(k) Plan with Matching ContributionsPaid Time Off and Company HolidaysCareer Growth Opportunities and Tuition ReimbursementMore extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
Qualifications & RequirementsBasic Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Basic Management Experience - 3 years
Basic Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.