Essential Job Duties
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.
