Executive Chef 2

Role Overview:

Inspire Through Food. Lead with Purpose. Champion Sustainability.

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking an experienced Executive Chef 2 to lead culinary operations at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a collaborative campus environment and is committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences while promoting sustainability and innovation.

In this role, you will provide culinary leadership for the university's all-you-care-to-eat residential dining hall, serving a simple yet high-quality breakfast, limited lunch, and full dinner menu. You will also oversee and support catering operations for campus events.

You will lead a dedicated team of approximately 35 employees, including 6 cooks, 2 bakers, utility staff, and frontline team members. Success in this role requires strong leadership, a hands-on management style, and a commitment to food quality, food safety, operational excellence, and developing your team.

Incentives: RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE! What You'll Do:

• Provide hands-on leadership for culinary teams in retail and catering operations, as well as purchasing and catering management .

• Develop and maintain chef/manager schedules; provide coverage and lead annual performance reviews and goal setting using Ingenium .

• Standardize and implement all Sodexo culinary systems and procedures, including:

  • Menu planning and execution (Retail, Catering, LTOs, Mindful)

  • Food safety protocols (HACCP), cleaning schedules, production sheets, inventory control, and kitchen presentation.

• Monitor food and physical safety practices; lead all required annual training for hourly staff and maintain audit documentation (GC audit books).

• Partner with vendors and oversee purchasing operations, including financial audits.

• Champion and grow the sustainability program in collaboration with the Director of Culinary Operations.

• Conduct annual Culinary Foundations training for all cooks and support ACF certification for culinary staff.

• Elevate catering and banquet offerings with creative, client-driven menus.

• Foster strong client relationships and deliver outstanding customer experiences.

What We Offer:

Compensation 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 Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring:

• A passion for culinary excellence and innovation.

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to coach and develop diverse teams.

• At least 3–5 years of high-volume culinary management experience (campus, corporate, or hospitality preferred).

• Solid understanding of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation practices.

• Experience with menu development, purchasing, and inventory systems.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and uphold brand standards.

• Commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience; ACF certification a plus.

• Ability to collaborate with clients, colleagues, and vendors in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Who We Are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.