Executive Chef 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : Lexington, KY, 40504
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Role Overview
Let your passion for people be the driver of your success at Sodexo. Through your leadership, your team will make a real impact every day!
Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef 2 for Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital located in Lexington, KY.
Sodexo offers a range of services to healthcare facilities, including food, nutrition, environmental, facilities management, healthcare technology management, retail, and patient experience services. Employees at our healthcare sites play a crucial role in enhancing patient experience and well-being
What You'll Do
- implement and standardize all culinary systems and procedures for hospital
- be responsible for Food and Physical Safety and annual training for all hourly associates
- manage, direct, and mentor frontline staff
- procurement and purchasing
- create menus based on client needs
- implement innovative and fresh ideas in retail, catering and patient services
- create interpersonal relationships with clients
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
- a strong culinary background in a high-volume environment
- strong management skills and experience
- menu planning experience and a strong understanding of current culinary trends
- the ability to multitask and proven effectiveness in a high-standards driven environment
- the ability to successfully lead, develop and train a team
- proficient computer skills, highly organized, and detail-focused
- a proven ability to set up processes, create efficiencies, and solve problems with little to no direction
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.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Executive Chef 2
Frequently asked questions
An Executive Chef 2 must master high-volume kitchen management, effective team mentoring, and menu innovation aligned with current food trends. Strong organizational ability and multitasking under pressure are crucial, especially in healthcare-focused environments like Sodexo's hospital services.
In Lexington, KY, Executive Chef 2 roles often emphasize community-focused menus and healthcare nutrition standards, reflecting local patient demographics. Compared to big cities, there’s usually closer client interaction and a strong demand for balancing culinary creativity with institutional regulations.
Progression can lead towards Regional Executive Chef or Executive Chef Manager positions, expanding responsibilities to multi-site oversight and strategic culinary operations. Mastery in procurement, staff development, and innovation opens doors to leadership roles within large service providers like Sodexo.
Sodexo’s Executive Chef 2 integrates nutrition-focused menu planning with stringent safety standards, directly enhancing patient experience. This role blends culinary expertise with healthcare service goals, ensuring meals contribute to recovery while maintaining high food quality and safety.
Sodexo offers a unique blend of comprehensive benefits, career development, and a people-first culture. The Executive Chef 2 role here also involves pioneering culinary systems and fostering client relationships, setting it apart from typical hospital chef jobs in the region.
Executive Chef 2 salaries in Lexington usually range from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, aligning well with regional cost of living and healthcare sector standards. This makes the compensation competitive, especially when factoring in Sodexo’s benefits like 401(k) matching and tuition reimbursement.
Familiarity with Kentucky Food Safety regulations and ServSafe certification is typically expected. Additionally, understanding hospital-specific protocols for food handling and patient dietary requirements is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring patient safety.
This role demands balancing high-volume food production with specialized patient nutrition needs, strict safety compliance, and staff training in a healthcare environment. Unlike traditional restaurant settings, there’s a heavier focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered service.
Sodexo values leadership that combines culinary innovation with operational efficiency and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates who can drive team performance, adapt menus to client needs, and uphold rigorous safety protocols tend to thrive in this healthcare food service role.
Procurement involves sourcing quality ingredients that meet budget constraints while adhering to hospital dietary guidelines. The Executive Chef 2 must negotiate with suppliers, manage inventory effectively, and ensure timely deliveries, all critical to maintaining smooth kitchen operations.