Executive Chef 3
Company : Sodexo
Location : Nashville, TN, 37232
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Role Overview
Are you inspired by great ingredients and creative cooking? At Sodexo, we bring these together for culinary innovation.
Sodexo is seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and experienced Executive Chef 3 for Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. This individual will provide culinary leadership including menu planning, program execution, staff management and training. Vanderbilt Health is a growing health system, anchored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the largest and most prominent academic medical centers in the Southeast, with seven hospitals and more than 200 clinics across Tennessee and in neighboring states. Hospital has 1,000 licensed beds.
Incentives
**BRAND NEW KITCHEN RENOVATION- JUST COMPLETED!**What You'll Do
This position will report to the Executive Chef 4 and be responsible for all culinary aspects of the patient meal service.
- 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 the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations;
- ensure food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standard compliance; and
- have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems.
- be responsible for food management and scheduling
- preferably have KRONOS experience
- garnishing, panning charts, production, puree standardization, FMS sheets, inventory control, HACCP, cleaning schedules, staffing plans, presentation and quality of food, kitchen cleanliness, safety, etc. Sodexo standards will be the benchmark;
- monitor, audit, implement and standardize new menus
- be responsible for Food and Physical Safety and annual training for all hourly associates;
- conduct audits, create action plans based on audit findings and be responsible for keeping and updating GC audit books
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
- Implement & coordinate the culinary function. - Direct & train cooks & utility workers.- Ensure food preparation & production meets operational standards.- Manage catering, retail areas, and support patient dining- Customer & Client satisfaction.- Financial management to include food cost & labor management.- Manage food & physical safety programs and inventory controls
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 - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
Related Jobs
Executive Chef - Performance Dining | Full-Time | Vanderbilt University Athletics
Dallas Convention Center
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Executive Chef 3
Frequently asked questions
Nashville's vibrant healthcare industry drives strong demand for experienced Executive Chef 3 professionals, especially within large medical centers. Candidates with culinary leadership and hospital food service expertise often face moderate competition, making specialized skills in patient meal service and kitchen management highly valuable.
Certifications like ServSafe Food Protection Manager and HACCP training are highly regarded in Tennessee healthcare kitchens. For Executive Chef positions, additional credentials in nutrition or dietary management can enhance candidacy, aligning with hospital standards for food safety and patient dietary compliance.
An Executive Chef 3 typically oversees complex culinary operations including menu innovation, team leadership, and compliance with food safety in large institutions. This role blends creative cooking with strategic management, focusing on operational efficiency and high-quality patient meal services.
Mastery in inventory control, food cost analysis, staff training, and compliance with culinary standards are pivotal. Demonstrating leadership in multi-unit food operations and adapting to evolving dietary needs can open pathways to senior executive chef or corporate culinary management roles.
Daily tasks blend culinary creativity with strict adherence to safety and nutrition regulations. The role includes menu planning tailored to patient needs, supervising food production, conducting audits, and ensuring seamless coordination between kitchen staff and healthcare teams.
Sodexo emphasizes inclusivity and continuous improvement, encouraging Executive Chef 3s to innovate while upholding standards. Employees benefit from collaborative environments, career growth support, and alignment with the company’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through food service excellence.
Sodexo’s focus on culinary innovation within healthcare settings, combined with access to newly renovated kitchens, positions its Executive Chef 3 role uniquely. The integration of automated management systems and comprehensive staff training underscores its commitment to operational excellence.
Executive Chef 3 positions in Nashville generally offer annual compensation between $70,000 and $90,000, depending on experience and education. This range reflects the healthcare sector's standards and the specialized skills required for managing large-scale culinary operations.
Nashville’s growing culinary scene and healthcare demands can lead to dynamic work schedules. However, Sodexo’s structured shifts and emphasis on team well-being help balance operational needs with personal time, supporting a sustainable pace for Executive Chef 3 professionals.