Executive Chef – University Dining

About the Role

Premier Global Links LLC is seeking an experienced Executive Chef – University Dining to lead culinary operations within a large, multi-unit university dining program in Johnson City, TN.

This hands-on leadership role oversees culinary operations, menu development, food production, catering, team leadership, food and labor costs, and food safety. The ideal candidate has experience leading high-volume foodservice operations and delivering consistent quality in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations within a large university dining program.
• Develop menus, recipes, and culinary concepts for diverse student and customer preferences.
• Ensure food quality, recipe compliance, presentation, and production standards.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop culinary and utility staff.
• Manage catering operations from planning through execution.
• Coordinate with catering, retail, culinary, and management teams.
• Manage food costs, labor costs, budgets, and operational performance.
• Use food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems effectively.
• Drive culinary innovation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and physical safety standards.
• Build strong relationships with customers, clients, staff, and university stakeholders.
• Support customer satisfaction and overall dining program success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of management experience in foodservice or culinary operations.
• 3+ years of functional experience in foodservice, including restaurants, catering, institutional dining, university dining, or similar environments.
• Experience managing food costs, labor costs, P&L, and budgets.
• Experience managing catering from planning through execution.
• Experience leading and training culinary teams.
• Working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, and production systems.
• Strong food safety and HACCP knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to succeed in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• University, college, campus, or institutional dining experience.
• Experience managing a large-unit or multi-unit foodservice operation.
• Experience with retail dining, catering, concessions, or special events.
• Strong culinary innovation and menu development experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• $70,000–$75,000 annual base salary, based on qualifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness programs.
• 401(k) with matching contributions.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Work Schedule

Sunday–Thursday | 12:00 PM–10:00 PM

This is a full-time, on-site position. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Premier Global Links LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered based on their skills, experience, education, and qualifications.