Executive Chef 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : Seattle, WA, 98113
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 28 December 2025
Role Overview
Lead with Flavor. Inspire with Passion.
Let your love for people and food be the driver of your success. As an Executive Chef with Sodexo in the Seattle Washington area, you’ll bring culinary creativity, leadership, and hands-on expertise to a high-profile account where every plate makes an impact. Through your leadership, your team will deliver unforgettable dining experiences and elevate hospitality every single day.
About the Role
We’re seeking a polished, professional, and hands-on culinary leader who thrives in the kitchen and on the floor. You’ll be accessible to staff during service, guiding and mentoring with confidence, while also collaborating with clients to ensure seamless catering experiences—especially within the on-site conference center. This is a high-level culinary management role, but one that keeps you close to the action, supporting operations and inspiring excellence.
At Sodexo, food is more than nourishment—it’s an experience. Join us and showcase your creativity, leadership, and passion in a role where your impact is felt every day.
What You'll Do
Lead the Kitchen: Be hands-on in the kitchen, accessible to staff during service, and set the tone for culinary excellence.
Create Menus: Develop menus that balance creativity, food costs, dietary needs, and client expectations.
Stay on Trend: Bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, keeping menus aligned with current culinary trends and impressing clients with creativity.
Inspire & Mentor Staff: Train, coach, and elevate the skills of the culinary team, ensuring high standards of quality, presentation, and safety.
Collaborate with Clients: Partner with the client to deliver seamless catering experiences and build strong relationships.
Ensure Safety & Standards: Oversee daily production with a focus on food safety, sanitation, and consistent excellence.
Balance Operations & Creativity: Manage the operational side of the kitchen while still being hands-on, ensuring smooth service and innovation coexist.
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
Culinary flair and creativity to impress clients and lead your team with trending, innovative ideas.
Knowledge of current food trends and the skill to compete at the highest level of culinary artistry.
Leadership and mentorship skills to inspire, train, and elevate kitchen staff, ensuring quality, presentation, and safety standards are consistently met.
Strong communication and collaboration abilities to build trust with staff and clients.
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 Seattle’s vibrant food scene, an Executive Chef 2 blends hands-on kitchen leadership with creativity by regularly updating menus to reflect local tastes and global trends. Balancing operational efficiency with innovative dishes ensures both client satisfaction and a motivated culinary team.
An Executive Chef 2 combines advanced culinary artistry with team mentorship, strategic menu planning, and client collaboration. The role demands a balance of creativity and operational oversight, setting it apart from positions focused solely on cooking or assisting.
After gaining experience as an Executive Chef 2, chefs often advance to corporate culinary leadership, multi-unit management, or specialized roles like executive catering directors. The position builds strong leadership and operational skills crucial for broader hospitality management.
Sodexo supports its Executive Chef 2s with ongoing training, mentorship, and career development programs tailored to enhance culinary skills and leadership. This approach aligns with their commitment to employee growth and high-quality food service experiences.
Sodexo’s inclusive and people-first culture encourages Executive Chef 2s to foster teamwork, innovation, and respect within the kitchen. This environment promotes creative menu development and collaborative client relations, enhancing overall hospitality delivery.
Executive Chef 2 salaries in Seattle typically range from $75,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on experience and education. The compensation package often includes benefits like healthcare, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, reflecting the region’s cost of living and culinary demand.
Seattle’s culinary scene is highly competitive, with a strong demand for experienced Executive Chefs. Sodexo’s reputation for quality and career development attracts skilled professionals, making roles sought after but rewarding for candidates demonstrating leadership and innovation.
Seattle’s traffic congestion and limited parking can impact commute times for Executive Chef 2s, especially during peak hours. Many chefs opt for public transit or flexible scheduling to navigate these challenges while maintaining punctuality and energy for kitchen leadership.
Candidates need at least an associate degree or equivalent, plus two years of culinary and management experience. Strong knowledge of food trends, team leadership, and safety standards are critical to excel in Sodexo’s dynamic and client-focused kitchen environments.
Executive Chef 2s at Sodexo collaborate closely with clients to tailor catering services for conference centers, ensuring menus meet dietary needs and event themes. This client-focused approach enhances the overall dining experience and strengthens business relationships.