Executive Chef- Virginia State University

Are you an experienced culinary professional with a passion for great food and strong leadership? We're looking for an Executive Chef to lead our campus dining team and deliver high-quality meals that make a difference in students’ lives.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for managing daily kitchen operations, creating innovative menus, overseeing food preparation, managing staff, controlling food costs, and ensuring food safety standards are met. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the culinary experience on campus and be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence.

• Design and plan diverse, nutritionally balanced menus, considering cost-efficiency and sustainability while meeting the preferences and needs of the university community.
• Provide culinary expertise and creative direction to the culinary team, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Recruit, train, and lead kitchen staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop and manage culinary budgets, control food and labor costs, and minimize waste while maximizing operational efficiency and maintaining food quality.
• Oversee compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and organizational policies to ensure a safe and hygienic food preparation and service environment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors, negotiate contracts, and coordinate procurement for quality ingredients and supplies.
• Stay informed about culinary trends, emerging dining preferences, and sustainability practices to integrate new ideas into the menu and service, enhancing the dining experience.
• Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional certifications.
• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a high-level culinary leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, and food safety standards.
• Experience with higher level education food service and dining facility it preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage a diverse culinary team.
• Proficient computer skills, including culinary software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during long shifts.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and twisting.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle knives, cookware, and kitchen equipment safely.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
• Tolerance for exposure to heat, steam, noise, and open flames.
• Ability to navigate tight kitchen spaces and multitask efficiently.
• Visual and sensory acuity to inspect food quality, presentation, and safety.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school.

Who We Are:

Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high-impact academics, innovative research, and community-focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for greatness.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.