Executive Chef 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : Allentown, PA, 18103
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 28 December 2025
Role Overview
A passion for helping people and attention to detail are the hallmarks of your success.
Join a team where your leadership can make a difference every day.
Sodexo is seeking a skilled and energetic Executive Chef 2 to lead culinary operations at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, a leading healthcare facility in Allentown, PA. This position plays a key role in supporting a team of 30 frontline culinary associates and managing all back-of-the-house operations across retail, catering, and patient services.
Why Sodexo?
At Sodexo, you’ll find a culture that supports your professional growth, values your leadership, and recognizes your contributions. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to advance your career in a mission-driven environment.
Apply today and bring your culinary expertise to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest!
What You'll Do
- Oversee daily food operations and ensure delivery of high-quality products across all service areas
Manage culinary production, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation compliance standards
Lead and develop a team of culinary associates, fostering engagement and high performance
Oversee menu planning, production scheduling, and special event/catering execution
Effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication and customer service standards
Monitor food cost, inventory, purchasing, and labor management to meet operational and budget goals
Utilize Sodexo Food Management Systems (FMS) and Market Connections (MSC) for operational efficiency
Demonstrate flexibility in taking on additional responsibilities to meet departmental needs
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
We are seeking an energetic, polished culinary professional who brings:
High-end catering and dining experience with a passion for culinary arts
Strong production culinary background—ideally in an upscale restaurant, retail, or catering environment
Proven leadership experience managing and engaging a diverse culinary team
Exceptional human resource and supervisory/management skills
Expertise in menu planning and knowledge of current culinary trends
Excellent communication skills to connect with multiple audiences and build strong customer relationships
In-depth knowledge of forecasting, food cost control, purchasing, inventory, and labor management
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
Unlike conventional restaurant roles, the Executive Chef 2 at Lehigh Valley Hospital focuses on diverse culinary operations including patient nutrition, catering, and retail. This requires balancing high-quality food production with strict safety standards and managing a large, varied team in a healthcare environment.
Effective leadership here involves not only culinary expertise but also strong human resource management, fostering team engagement, and overseeing multitasking between catering and patient services. Communication skills and the ability to inspire performance in a fast-paced healthcare setting are crucial.
Staying updated on health-conscious menus, sustainable sourcing, and innovative catering concepts is vital. The role demands knowledge in balancing traditional favorites with modern dietary preferences to meet diverse patient and retail customer needs.
Sodexo offers a mission-driven workplace with comprehensive benefits like 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and wellness programs. The company culture emphasizes professional growth and diversity, making it unique among Allentown culinary employers.
Yes, Sodexo utilizes proprietary systems like Food Management Systems (FMS) and Market Service Connections (MSC) to streamline inventory, purchasing, and labor management. These tools enhance operational efficiency and help maintain budget goals effectively.
While an associate’s degree or equivalent is standard, certifications in food safety, culinary management, and healthcare nutrition are highly valued locally. Experience in upscale catering and institutional food services also boosts employability in this region.
Allentown shows steady demand for skilled executive chefs in healthcare due to expanding hospital services. However, competition remains moderate with preference given to candidates showcasing strong leadership and multi-faceted culinary experience.
Executive Chefs 2 in Allentown usually earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and education. Benefits from companies like Sodexo add significant value, including health coverage and retirement plans.
Sodexo fosters an inclusive culture where diverse culinary perspectives thrive. Executive Chef 2s benefit from a respectful environment encouraging innovation and open dialogue, which enhances team collaboration and overall service quality.
At Sodexo, the Executive Chef 2 is deeply involved in community impact and employee well-being, beyond standard food production. The role integrates leadership development opportunities with a strong focus on sustainability and customer experience.