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Executive Chef

Requisition #: 623451

Location:

Winston Salem, NC, US, 27110

Career Area: Culinary

Description:

Job Description

**Winston-Salem State University Dining Services** is seeking a dynamic, creative, and visionary Executive Chef to serve as the culinary centerpiece of our campus dining program. This role is designed for a true culinarian and leader—someone who thrives on creativity, mentorship, and shaping an elevated dining experience rather than working every station or line.

The Executive Chef will be the face of the dining hall, driving menu innovation, culinary excellence, and student engagement, while providing strategic oversight of food quality, food cost, and catering operations. With the support of a Production Manager and two Sous Chefs, this role allows the Executive Chef to focus on leadership, creativity, and program development rather than daily execution.

Job Responsibilities

Culinary Vision & Menu Development

+ Serve as the primary creative force behind all dining hall and catering menus

+ Design innovative, student-driven menus that balance creativity, nutrition, trends, and operational efficiency

+ Lead seasonal, themed, and promotional menu initiatives that enhance the campus dining experience

Leadership & Mentorship

+ Act as a mentor, coach, and teacher to culinary staff, fostering growth and professional development

+ Provide leadership and direction to Sous Chefs and the Production Manager

+ Cultivate a positive, accountable, and high-performance kitchen culture

Catering Oversight

+ Provide strategic oversight of the catering department, including menu design, execution standards, and innovation

+ Partner with catering leadership to elevate presentation, culinary offerings, and client satisfaction

Food Cost & Financial Stewardship

+ Maintain direct control and accountability for food cost, recipe compliance, and menu profitability

+ Collaborate with operations and finance leadership on forecasting, budgeting, and cost management

Student Engagement & Campus Presence

+ Serve as a visible, approachable leader within the dining hall

+ Engage with students through tastings, events, chef-led concepts, and feedback sessions

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

Qualifications

+ At least **4 years of culinary experience** required

+ At least **2 years in a management role** preferred

+ Proven experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader in high-volume, multi-concept foodserviceStrong background in menu development, food cost control, and culinary leadership

+ Passion for mentoring and developing culinary talentExperience in collegiate, healthcare, or institutional dining preferred

+ Ability to lead through influence, creativity, and collaborationStrong communication, organizational, and leadership skills

Education

**Nearest Major Market:** Winston-Salem