CATERING EXECUTIVE CHEF - Chartwells Higher Education - Binghamton, NY

Lead Culinary Excellence At A Premier University Dining Program

Are you a passionate culinary leader who thrives in high-volume environments and enjoys creating exceptional dining experiences? Binghamton University is seeking an experienced Catering Executive Chef to oversee catering and culinary operations, lead a talented team, and deliver innovative, high-quality food experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on chef with strong leadership skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to culinary excellence.

As the Catering Executive Chef, you will:

• Lead all catering and kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality and presentation
• Develop and execute regular and specialty menus for a wide variety of events and functions
• Train, mentor, and develop culinary team members while fostering a positive kitchen culture
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance standards
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, production planning, and cost controls
• Monitor labor utilization and kitchen productivity to drive operational excellence
• Maintain equipment, storage, and work areas in accordance with company and health department standards
• Oversee production schedules, waste management initiatives, and quality assurance programs
• Partner with campus stakeholders to create memorable and innovative catering experiences
• Support client satisfaction initiatives and continuously elevate the guest experience

What We're Looking For:

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience
• Executive Chef, Chef Manager, Senior Sous Chef, or Catering Chef background preferred
• Extensive catering experience highly desirable
• Experience in high-volume, complex foodservice environments
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Hands-on culinary expertise with strong execution capabilities
• Knowledge of food trends, menu development, and presentation standards
• Experience with food cost management, inventory control, and purchasing
• Institutional, university, hospitality, healthcare, or contract foodservice experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business technology tools
• ServSafe Certification preferred
• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent experience preferred

Why Join Binghamton University?

• Be part of a dynamic and vibrant campus community
• Lead large-scale catering programs and special events
• Work with a passionate culinary and hospitality team
• Opportunity to drive culinary innovation and creativity
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Professional growth and career advancement opportunities

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, and personal leave.