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EXECUTIVE CHEF - STUDENT DINING - UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO - RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Compass Group, North America

Chicago, ILJob$85–93K/yrSeen 2mo agoSeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
$85–93K/yr
Location
Chicago, IL
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

ServSafe Certification

Job overview

The Executive Chef will lead culinary operations for University of Chicago dining programs, developing menus across a variety of dietary options and overseeing preparation. The role includes managing budgets and food costs, supporting customer satisfaction, and training and developing employees. Relocation assistance is available.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Menu DevelopmentFood PreparationFoodservice OperationsComputer Skills

Qualifications

Associate Degree or Equivalent Experience5+ Years Culinary or Kitchen Management ExperienceServSafe Certification

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Match
Relocation Assistance
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave

Full job description

Salary: $85,000 - $93,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Full benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and 401K

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

Do you enjoy crafting and implementing innovative culinary solutions to customers? We are currently seeking an Executive Chef at the globally recognized University of Chicago. You will be a lead culinarian within our dining programs with a variety of menu options including Gluten Free, Kosher, Halal, Vegan, and Vegerarian options. As a key leader in our dining programs, you'll spearhead menu development and preparation, infusing creativity and precision into every dish. This role entails managing budgeting and food costing, ensuring client and customer satisfaction, and fostering employee training and growth.

** Relocation assistance is available for this position!

With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance professionally and make an immediate impact in our culinary landscape!

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan regular and modified menus according to established guidelines, adhering to standardized recipes and presentation standards.

  • Complete and implement daily production worksheets and waste log sheets.

  • Supervise and mentor chefs, cooks, and other team members on food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, and sanitation practices.

  • Ensure the implementation of culinary standards, including recipe compliance and food quality.

  • Manage inventory of food and non-food supplies, maintaining compliance with established guidelines while ensuring necessary products are available when needed.

  • Follow federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department procedures, as evidenced through audits conducted by local health departments and third-party entities.

  • Forecast annual food and labor costs and monitor actual financial results.

  • Foster strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving satisfaction and retention.

  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations.

Qualifications

  • A.S. degree or equivalent experience.

  • Five or more years of progressive high volume culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal degree or training.

  • Experience in high-volume, hands-on foodservice operations.

  • Must be experienced with computers.

  • ServSafe® Certified.

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of shaping exceptional dining experiences.

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 (http://www.compass-usa.com/our-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 (https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023\_WageTransparency\_ChartwellsHED.pdf) or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023\_WageTransparency\_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1567058

Chartwells HE

CINDY SCHOENFELD

[[req_classification]]

How this job compares

Set against the 1,039 open Executive Chef jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 31, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$85–93K/yr
  • Illinois median$80–90K/yr25 salary ranges
  • US median$80–95K/yr840 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $89K, is 5% above the Illinois median midpoint ($85K) — in the middle half of Executive Chef salary ranges in Illinois.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 27 open Executive Chef jobs in Illinois and 1,039 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Illinois
Experience
This posting asks for at least 5 years of experience; Executive Chef postings that state a minimum ask for 4 years at the median (483 postings).
Education
11 of the 1,039 open Executive Chef jobs (1%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 31, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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