Executive Chef 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : West Hartford, CT, 06117
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Role Overview
Ignite Culinary Excellence at The University of Saint Joseph!
Sodexo is seeking a passionate and visionary Executive Chef 2 to lead the culinary experience at The University of Saint Joseph. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape campus dining, elevate catering services, and inspire a team to deliver exceptional food with purpose. If you thrive in dynamic environments and have a flair for fine dining presentation, this role offers the perfect blend of creativity, leadership, and impact.
What You'll Do
- Lead and manage all culinary operations for residential dining and catering services.
- Oversee menu execution and ensure consistent quality and presentation.
- Coach and mentor culinary staff in fine dining techniques and customer service excellence.
- Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards.
- Collaborate with campus partners to enhance the student dining experience.
- Drive innovation in menu planning and sustainability initiatives.
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
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or similar leadership role in a high-volume setting.
- Expertise in catering and residential dining operations.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Passion for culinary excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance standards.
- Ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and professional kitchen culture.
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
The Executive Chef 2 at Sodexo in West Hartford uniquely blends campus dining leadership with high-volume catering management, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Unlike typical executive chef roles, this position fosters partnerships within an academic environment, creating a culinary experience tailored to student life and institutional standards.
Progression from Executive Chef 2 often leads to regional executive chef roles or corporate culinary leadership, especially when paired with strong team-building and operational expertise. Mastering fine dining and catering management opens doors to higher responsibility in hospitality management or specialized culinary consulting.
Success hinges on expert menu development for diverse palates, strong leadership in high-volume kitchens, and mastery of food safety compliance. Additionally, the ability to innovate with sustainable ingredients and coach staff in fine dining techniques is essential in academic catering environments.
Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package for Executive Chef 2 positions in West Hartford, including medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement. This aligns with their commitment to employee well-being and career growth within the culinary industry.
Absolutely. Sodexo emphasizes inclusivity and respect, fostering a professional kitchen culture where ideas are encouraged. This approach enhances collaboration and ensures Executive Chef 2 professionals thrive while leading diverse culinary teams in campus dining settings.
In West Hartford, CT, Executive Chef 2 salaries typically range from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience and education. This reflects local demand for skilled culinary leaders capable of managing both catering and residential dining operations effectively.
West Hartford's culinary sector is moderately competitive, with growing demand for experienced executive chefs in educational institutions and catering firms. Candidates with management experience and a passion for sustainable practices tend to stand out in local hiring processes.
Balancing diverse dietary preferences, ensuring consistent food quality across large volumes, and integrating sustainable sourcing are key challenges. Additionally, leading a culinary team through high-pressure events requires exceptional organizational and mentoring abilities.
Sodexo emphasizes rigorous training and compliance protocols for Executive Chef 2s, providing resources to uphold strict food safety standards. Their structured approach ensures kitchens meet regulatory requirements, safeguarding customer health and enhancing operational excellence.
Sodexo encourages Executive Chef 2s to pioneer menu planning that incorporates sustainable ingredients and reduces waste. This role empowers chefs to lead initiatives that align culinary creativity with environmental responsibility, especially within the university dining landscape.