Chef de Cuisine

Job Summary

CU Boulder's Campus Dining Services team is now accepting applications for a Chef de Cuisine! This is a culinary leadership role responsible for creating fresh, high-quality and on-trend menus for multiple restaurant areas as well as define operational standards and procedures for different restaurant concepts, staff, scheduling, hiring and training under the general supervision of the Executive Culinary Team. At this leadership level, the Chef de Cuisine is also expected to understand sourcing, procurement, food costs, pricing, labor costs and overall operational assessment to ensure that fiscal and operational feasibility are in line with the parameters set by the Associate Director of Culinary and Sr. Executive Chef.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Student Life consists of 36 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.

At CU Boulder, dining is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Our award-winning dining venues serve fresh, sustainable, and innovative cuisine crafted by a passionate team dedicated to your well-being.

Every year, we proudly serve over 3 million meals, fueling healthy bodies and minds with options that are as delicious as they are nutritious. From community-building events to hands-on food education, we’re here to help Buffs build lifelong habits for a healthier future.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Kitchen Prep, Production and Service:

• Assists in design and implementation of menus in assigned area.
• Fulfills hands-on production of daily menus as assigned.
• Directs work flow of staff and production in assigned area.
• Monitors and reports on ingredient initiatives set by CDH Leadership.
• Tests and evaluates new food products and recipes as assigned by CDH leadership
• Provides hands-on training of staff members, including students, on menu standards, production, equipment use and standard processes to streamline schedules and create efficiency.
• Places orders and receives products.
• Supports the development and implementation of quality standards of allergen-free goods aligning with Dining's allergen knowledge and labeling program.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensures food security in all areas of operation.
• Ensures CDH operations perform efficiently and effectively, meeting all quality, production, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Ensures food production meets/exceeds all state and local food code standards, as well as internal food safety standards.
• Trains staff and monitors and evaluates food safety and sanitation practices to ensure staff compliance and standards as defined by CDH and other regulatory agencies.
• Instructs staff on scheduled cleaning of operational areas, including equipment, facilities, storage, and receiving areas.
• Audits allergen labeling practices in assigned restaurant/unit and takes corrective action.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Audits Procurant food safety solutions weekly reporting.
• Resolves production issues.

Personnel and Administrative:

• Conducts performance plans for staff, holds others accountable with progressive coaching practices
• Empowers others to make decisions in areas within their span of control, and participates in measures to increase employee engagement and empowerment
• Ensures all Student life and Campus HR processes are followed including but not limited to injury reporting, staff leave requests, timekeeping, and assists staff members in navigating these processes as needed
• Is responsible for and participates in any health inspection audits, including annual County Health inspections.
• Ensures safe/injury-free work environment.
• Responsible for all assigned duties in CBORD Food Service software.
• Serves on the food safety response team and responds to all food safety emergencies as appropriate to the work assignment.
• Displays and demonstrates excellent communication skills.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position is $57,158.40. Onboarding assistance is available within Student Life division guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• State Food Safety certified and/or certificate appropriate for the position level or the ability to obtain State Food Safety certification or certificate appropriate to position level within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess appropriate State Food Safety certification or certificate appropriate to position level for the duration of employment with CDH.

What You Will Need

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-driven and inclusive environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Previous experience in high volume, production food industry experience.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by June 16, 2026, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Essential Services

This position is designated “essential/critical services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for regularly assigned shifts during emergency campus closures.