Senior Area Executive Chef

Join Sodexo as an Area Executive Chef for Independent Schools, supporting campus dining programs throughout the Chicago, Texas, and surrounding markets. Lead culinary strategy, innovation, training, and operational excellence across multiple accounts.

Bring fresh ideas and elevated dining experiences to independent school communities. Support culinary teams, strengthen client partnerships, influence menus, and help deliver exceptional hospitality across a dynamic regional portfolio.

About the job

Step into a high-impact culinary leadership role where your expertise will shape operations across large or multi-unit environments. You'll drive innovation in menu creation, coach and develop top-tier talent, and elevate standards through hands-on training and strategic support.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range: $100130 per year - $129580 per year

What’s in it for you

Work with premier Independent School dining programs while helping bring fresh culinary ideas to life. Influence regional initiatives, support account growth, and help create memorable hospitality experiences across multiple campuses.

If you enjoy variety, visibility, and collaboration, this role offers the opportunity to work with multiple leadership teams, support special projects, and make a meaningful impact across a broad regional portfolio.

• Lead culinary operations at scale, supporting diverse teams across complex, high- volume accounts.

• Bring creativity to life through hands-on recipe development, menu planning, and culinary production.

• Strengthen operational performance through plate costing, inventory control, and expert use of culinary management systems.

• Serve as a mentor and trainer, advancing food safety, FMS best practices, and culinary standards.

• Play a key role in recruiting and developing strong culinary talent across multiple locations.

• Use your systems knowledge to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.

• Represent the brand with confidence in client-facing presentations, new program launches, and retention efforts.

What you’ll bring

Proven culinary leadership experience in multi-unit, high-volume, or hospitality-focused environments with strengths in menu innovation, food cost management, team development, and operational execution.

A collaborative, hands-on leadership style with a passion for mentoring teams and driving culinary excellence. Strong organizational, technology, and communication skills with the ability to influence across multiple locations.

• Extensive culinary management experience in high-volume or multi-unit operations, with a proven ability to lead complex teams and deliver consistent results.

• Deep expertise in menu planning, plate costing, and recipe development, with a sharp eye for culinary trends and innovation.

• Technical skills and proficiency in culinary systems (e.g., FMS), along with exceptional organization and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to create processes, drive efficiency, and solve problems independently.

• ServSafe certification and working knowledge of HACCP, with a commitment to upholding the highest food safety standards.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• Management Experience: 5 years

• Related Experience: 3 years

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.

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. (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/dbdf3c39f65e4cd49eda84cc599389ab)