Executive Chef

Executive Chef

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you've been hungry and away from home, chances are you've tasted Compass Group's delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

This role is responsible for leading daily culinary operations and administrative functions, including financial management, regulatory compliance, and food safety oversight. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional culinary expertise with strong business acumen to deliver operational excellence, innovative dining experiences, and outstanding service outcomes. Working closely with operational leaders and cross-functional partners, the Executive Chef will drive culinary quality, maintain rigorous food standards, and elevate the overall guest experience. This position plays a critical role in fostering a culture of safety, hospitality, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Compass is deeply committed to workplace and food safety, and the Executive Chef will serve as a champion of these principles by ensuring the well-being of guests, team members, and the broader community. The Food Program's vision is to inspire and empower individuals to make thoughtful food choices while creating dining experiences that support sustainable lifestyles and thriving communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with workplace and food safety standards, including allergen management, sanitation protocols, and all local, state, and corporate regulations.
• Guest Experience Leadership: Design, oversee, and continuously enhance the end-to-end dining experience, delivering innovative, high-quality food offerings and exceptional service.
• Culinary Excellence: Lead by example with a passion for food quality, preparation, presentation, and flavor while inspiring the culinary team to consistently exceed expectations.
• Operational Management: Maintain adherence to menu standards, production requirements, preparation guidelines, and established operational procedures, ensuring consistency and accountability.
• Wellness & Nutrition: Develop and deliver balanced, high-quality meal offerings that support the health, well-being, and satisfaction of guests.
• Hospitality Culture: Foster a welcoming, service-focused environment that promotes professionalism, engagement, and memorable dining experiences.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, coach, and develop culinary team members while fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and excellence.
• Administrative Oversight: Manage payroll, accounts receivable, scheduling, reporting, and HR-related documentation to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Procurement & Sustainability: Ensure purchasing practices align with organizational standards, budget expectations, sustainability initiatives, and food program guidelines.
• Talent & Compliance Management: Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, certifications, and documentation requirements to maintain compliance and support team success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited culinary institution preferred.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or similar role within a high-volume, premium food service environment.
• Proven ability to foster and strengthen a culture centered on food safety, workplace safety, and operational excellence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and lead diverse teams.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, kitchen management systems, and other operational technology tools.
• Passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, sustainability, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, labor management, inventory control, and cost optimization.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic culinary leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional food experiences, building high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence in a dynamic environment.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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