Executive Chef 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : Nashville, TN, 37208
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 28 December 2025
Role Overview
Working together, supporting your team, and reaching high-end for the best in a high-volume, high-paced environment is second nature to you.
Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef for Fisk University in Nashville, TN. The best-qualified Executive Chef will be able to balance a strategic, program-driven approach with strong, hands-on kitchen experience and the ability to achieve results through others. A critical element of the role is accessibility for the staff, which is achieved by being on the floor during service times and showing strong leadership ability. This position manages all aspects of back-of-the-house operations, including ordering, inventory, staff training, and development, and has a significant involvement in sustainability and local purchasing programs.
What You'll Do
- Be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis, and food production forecasting;
- Ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented;
- Have a working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems;
- Implement those systems and ensure ongoing compliance across campus. Oversee concept development, menu design, and the implementation of new culinary concepts;
- Driving innovation and excellence in the university's dining program to meet the diverse needs and tastes of the student body and staff;
- Promote customer loyalty and brand image, diagnose customer needs, and recommend appropriate products or services;
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.
What You Bring
- High-volume, quality-focused culinary management experience, preferably within a campus dining setting;
- Innovative and creative Catering background;
- Exemplary communication skills with the ability to lead a large team;
- Strong organizational skills -detail-oriented and task-focused; able to manage conflicting priorities
- Possesses strong leadership skills and hands-on training approach with an ability to effectively communicate with culinary staff, key personnel, Catering Staff, and Management team
- Experience in successfully managing food and labor costs, strong computer skills, and HACCP training skills
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.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 2 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
In Nashville's campus dining context, the Executive Chef 2 balances high-volume kitchen management with strategic program development, emphasizing team accessibility and sustainability. Unlike some chef roles, this position requires hands-on leadership during service, integrating local purchasing and innovation to cater to diverse student tastes.
Mastery in menu design, food cost analysis, and automated inventory systems is vital. This role demands creativity in catering, strong HACCP knowledge, and exemplary communication to lead large teams efficiently while maintaining quality standards under pressure.
Yes, leadership roles in Sodexo often lead to broader operational management or corporate culinary positions. Demonstrating innovative culinary concepts and effective team leadership in a university environment can open doors to regional or executive-level chef roles.
Sodexo emphasizes a blend of strategic program leadership and hands-on kitchen presence, with a strong focus on sustainability and local sourcing. The company’s commitment to diversity, employee growth, and comprehensive benefits makes this role uniquely supportive in culinary career advancement.
Employees benefit from tuition reimbursement, career growth opportunities, and wellness programs alongside standard medical and 401(k) plans. Sodexo fosters an inclusive culture, providing resources and respect that empower executive chefs to excel and innovate within their roles.
Salaries typically range from $65,000 to $85,000 annually in Nashville for this role, depending on experience, education, and culinary expertise. Candidates with extensive high-volume management and innovative catering backgrounds often command salaries at the higher end.
Nashville’s growing food industry and vibrant university culture create moderate competition for executive chef roles. Candidates with proven leadership in high-volume settings and sustainability initiatives are especially sought after in campus dining operations.
While HACCP training is essential, familiarity with Tennessee food safety regulations and sustainable sourcing practices is highly valued. Certifications in catering management or culinary arts, combined with experience in automated inventory systems, strengthen candidate profiles.
Balancing inventory, ordering, and staff training under tight schedules is demanding. Maintaining culinary standards while adapting menus to diverse student preferences and implementing sustainability programs requires agility and strong team leadership on the floor during peak service.
Sodexo’s dedication to inclusivity and employee well-being shapes a collaborative environment where executive chefs are expected to lead with respect and innovation. Their role extends beyond cooking, fostering community impact through sustainable practices and staff empowerment.