SR CAMPUS EXECUTIVE CHEF - University of Houston -Main Dining, Athletics & Clearlake- HOUSTON, TX

Job Description

Job Description

Location: HOUSTON, TX

Salary:  125,000-130,000

Other Forms of Compensation: annual bonus + relocation assistance 

At over 300 college & universities around the country,  Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Relocation assistance up to $25,000.  Competitive Salary.  Annual Bonus.  Excellent benefits.  401K MATCH

Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a  Senior Campus Executive Chef to lead, mentor, and elevate the dining and catering programs at the prestigious University of Houston. This top-tier culinary leadership role is ideal for a chef-educator who is passionate about developing culinary talent, building strong kitchen cultures, and advancing modern foodservice practices. You will oversee a large, complex dining operation while serving as a hands-on mentor and culinary coach to a diverse team of chefs, cooks, and emerging culinary professionals.

With Chartwells’ continued investment in culinary innovation and professional development, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape both the dining experience and the next generation of culinary leaders. The culinary lens includes two "all you care to eat" residential dining halls, national brand concepts, athletics, and a robust catering program.

Qualifications:

Associate’s degree or equivalent culinary experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Five or more years of progressive kitchen or culinary management experience, ideally in UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE campus foodservice environments of at least $20 million MV.
Proven expertise in menu planning, inventory control, and financial forecasting.
Passion for culinary innovation and commitment to delivering excellence in every dish.

At Chartwells, we believe in transforming dining into an experience that resonates with the community we serve. By joining our leadership team at the UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a prestigious institution while shaping its culinary landscape. This is your chance to grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, and be part of a culinary journey that celebrates creativity and excellence.

Long Description

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Education & Team Development

• Serve as a hands-on culinary mentor, coaching chefs and cooks through skill development, technique refinement, and leadership growth.
• Design and lead structured training programs focused on fundamentals, advanced cooking techniques, menu execution, and kitchen leadership.
• Foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning across all culinary teams.

Menu Development & Innovation

• Create inventive, on-trend menus that emphasize seasonal ingredients, global influences, and dietary inclusivity.
• Use menu development as a teaching tool, engaging teams in recipe testing, tasting panels, and presentation standards.

Culinary Leadership & Standards

• Set and uphold culinary excellence across all venues, ensuring consistency in flavor, presentation, and execution.
• Lead by example in food safety, sanitation, equipment use, and best-in-class kitchen practices.

Operational & Production Excellence

• Oversee daily food production, inventory control, and waste-reduction initiatives while teaching teams efficient, sustainable workflows.
• Balance high-volume service with made-from-scratch cooking and thoughtful preparation techniques.thin the team.

Client, Campus & Guest Engagement

• Collaborate with university partners to align dining initiatives with campus values and student experience goals.
• Act as a culinary ambassador for the program, engaging guests through food storytelling, events, and campus presence.

Financial & Business Acumen

• Manage food and labor budgets while educating culinary leaders on cost control, forecasting, and responsible purchasing.
• Identify opportunities to invest in training, equipment, and program growth while meeting financial targets.

Catering & Experiential Dining

• Lead the design and execution of elevated menus for high-profile events, conferences, and athletic functions.
• Use catering and special events as opportunities to showcase culinary talent and develop advanced skills within the team.

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed   are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

-usa.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Req ID: 1541825

Chartwells HE 

SARA C ST CLAIR 

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