Assistant Chef

Join our culinary team and lead catering production for a thriving dining program! Supervise staff, drive quality and efficiency, and create exceptional event experiences. If you're passionate about food and leadership, we want to hear from you!

• 522375

• Manhattan, Kansas, United States

• Department of Housing & Dining

• Staff Full Time (USS)

• Closing at: Nov 9 2026 - 23:55 CST

• On-site

The Assistant Chef oversees daily food production for the Housing and Dining Services catering program, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality preparation of catering orders and event meals. This position supervises culinary staff, coordinates production workflows, and maintains established food safety and quality standards to deliver exceptional catering services.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• production operations management
• staff supervision and leadership
• catering production coordination
• food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance
• inventory and resource management

About Us

Housing and Dining Services (HDS) is a large, complex, self-operated auxiliary department employing about 1,000 full and part-time staff. We share the desire to provide exemplary services, products and facilities for our residents and other guests. HDS provides affordable, safe and engaging accommodations for more than 5,000 residents and find unique ways to support their academic pursuits. Additionally, we offer a variety of event spaces, dining and catering options for both on and off-campus events. The 2025 Princeton Review ranks us #2 Happiest Students, #2 Best Quality of Life, #8 Best College Residence Halls, and #14 Best Campus Food. What a great team to be part of!

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires two years of relevant experience with one year of experience at the supervisory level. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license upon employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of experience in commercial, large scale food service operations including food preparation and kitchen production.
• Experience working in university, catering, banquet, or conference dining environments.
• Experience coordinating the work of culinary staff in a food service environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Experience supervising staff in a high-volume food service environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

Additional Role Information:

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Online application

Application Window

Applications close on: November 9, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$18.04 - $25.00 per hour

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship:

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas:

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

• Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.