Executive Chef 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : Winona, MN, 55987
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 28 December 2025
Role Overview
Sodexo's Campus Dining segment has a potential new opportunity for an Executive Chef 2 to lead dining operations at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. This Executive Chef will manage the dining programs campus wide, Resident dining, retail and catering. Sodexo provides college campuses with food, nutrition, environmental, and facilities management solutions. Joining us at one of our campus sites enables you to positively influence college students' well-being and create a healthy learning environment.
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 the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations.
- ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance; and/or
- have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems.
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, with the demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends;
- excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of culinary standards;
- strong coaching and employee development skills; and/or
- have a passion for food and innovation.
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
Executive Chef 2 roles in Winona often emphasize campus dining management with a focus on community engagement and local sourcing, unlike urban centers where fine dining and diverse culinary concepts dominate. Understanding regional tastes and managing institutional food programs are key in this Minnesota location.
Proficiency in menu development aligned with nutritional standards, mastery of large-scale food production forecasting, and leadership in culinary team motivation are essential. Staying current with food trends while ensuring recipe compliance ensures a dynamic yet consistent dining environment.
Daily tasks include overseeing inventory control, supervising food safety compliance, coordinating catering events, and analyzing food costs. Effective communication with kitchen staff and suppliers ensures smooth operations and adherence to Sodexo's quality standards throughout the campus.
Sodexo fosters inclusivity and values employee input, encouraging Executive Chefs to drive culinary innovation while supporting team development. The company’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being shapes the role, making it more than just kitchen management.
Sodexo offers comprehensive benefits like 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and wellness programs, enhancing job satisfaction. Their emphasis on career growth and respect for diversity creates a supportive environment unique to their Winona campus dining operations.
Executive Chef 2 salaries in Winona typically range from $55,000 to $70,000 annually, with factors like culinary expertise, leadership experience, and educational background influencing offers. Sodexo balances fair pay with benefits to attract skilled professionals in this competitive regional market.
Sodexo’s role centers on institutional dining, requiring skills in managing large-scale operations, compliance with strict food safety standards, and team leadership within a structured environment. Unlike private ventures, it involves multi-site coordination and a focus on education sector clients.
While an associate’s degree or equivalent is the minimum, certifications like ServSafe and culinary management credentials are highly valued. Familiarity with automated food inventory systems also strengthens candidacy given Sodexo’s technology-driven operational approach.
Winona’s dining services sector shows steady demand for experienced executive chefs due to expanding campus programs. Candidates with proven leadership and innovation skills have an advantage, especially those ready to contribute to community-focused food service in educational environments.
Commuting to Winona is manageable from surrounding rural communities, but candidates should consider seasonal weather and travel times. Local public transport is limited, so reliable personal transportation is advisable to maintain punctuality and operational effectiveness.