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Campus Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Creative Dining Services

Executive Chef

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

As the campus culinary expert, the Executive Chef works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that high-quality, properly seasoned, nutritious food is provided throughout the operation in a ...

University of Michigan

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Michigan Dining is comprised of nineteen on-campus cafes and markets, nine residential dining halls ... Ensures chefs are responsible for thoroughly cleaning the back-of-house and plating areas and ...

University of Michigan

Sr. Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Michigan Dining comprises eighteen on-campus cafes and markets, ten residential dining halls, a ... Work together with the campus executive chef for catering to improve and standardize recipes, and ...

Otterbein Senior Life

Sous Chef

Jackson, MI

$45K - $61K/yr

Overview The Sous Chef position is responsible for helping Otterbein manage the overall dining experience of the campus. The position will manage all daily operations, including overall direction of ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Sous Chef

Jackson, MI

$45K - $61K/yr

Overview The Sous Chef position is responsible for helping Otterbein manage the overall dining experience of the campus. The position will manage all daily operations, including overall direction of ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Sous Chef

Jackson, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Overview The Sous Chef position is responsible for helping Otterbein manage the overall dining experience of the campus. The position will manage all daily operations, including overall direction of ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Sous Chef

Jackson, MI

$45K - $61K/yr

Overview The Sous Chef position is responsible for helping Otterbein manage the overall dining experience of the campus. The position will manage all daily operations, including overall direction of ...

Burcham Hills

Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

We currently have a vacancy for a Sous Chef to work a Full Time schedule in our Bistro. Join our ... Beautiful, resort-like campus on 38 acres * Join an exceptional team! Drug-free workplace. EEO & E ...

Burcham Hills

Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

We currently have a vacancy for a Sous Chef to work a Full Time schedule in our Bistro. Join our ... Beautiful, resort-like campus on 38 acres * Join an exceptional team! Drug-free workplace. EEO & E ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Houghton, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Houghton, MI

$25/hr

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Chartwells HE

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Houghton, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Houghton, MI

$25/hr

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

University of Michigan

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated Sous Chef to oversee the daily operations of our Pavilion ... campuses. Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The ...

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Campus Chef information

What is a campus chef?

Campus chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking meals in college or university dining facilities. They plan menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety, and accommodate the dietary needs of students and faculty. Campus chefs often work with nutritionists to provide healthy meal options and may participate in themed events or special activities on campus. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality and variety of food services in educational institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a campus chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Campus Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically backed by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Strong leadership, time management, and teamwork skills help create a positive kitchen environment and ensure smooth service. These skills are essential for consistently delivering high-quality meals, maintaining safety standards, and meeting the diverse dietary needs of a campus community.

How does a campus chef typically collaborate with dining services staff and student organizations?

A Campus Chef works closely with dining services teams, including kitchen staff, nutritionists, and front-of-house employees, to ensure meal quality and operational efficiency. Collaboration with student organizations is also common, particularly when planning themed events, cultural nights, or accommodating special dietary needs. Open communication and flexibility are key, as Campus Chefs often need to adapt menus based on student feedback and campus events, making teamwork an essential part of the role.

What is the difference between Campus Chef vs Cafeteria Cook?

AspectCampus ChefCafeteria Cook
Required CredentialsFood handler's permit, culinary trainingFood handler's permit, basic cooking skills
Work EnvironmentCollege/university kitchens, diverse menusSchool cafeterias, large-scale food service
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, catering servicesSchool districts, government-funded cafeterias
Common Search IntentCampus Chef vs Cafeteria CookCampus Chef vs Cafeteria Cook

The main difference between a Campus Chef and a Cafeteria Cook lies in their scope of responsibilities and work environment. A Campus Chef typically oversees menu planning, manages kitchen staff, and ensures quality in a college or university setting. In contrast, a Cafeteria Cook primarily prepares food according to established menus in school cafeterias. Both roles require food safety certifications, but the Campus Chef often has additional culinary training and managerial duties.

What are popular job titles related to Campus Chef jobs in Michigan?

For Campus Chef jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Campus Chef jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Campus Chef jobs in Michigan are:

Campus Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Campus Chef job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Executive Chef

Creative Dining Services

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Creative Dining Services rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Be Creative…with Creative Dining Services!

Creative Dining Services is currently seeking an Executive Chef to join our team at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI.

As the campus culinary expert, the Executive Chef works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that high-quality, properly seasoned, nutritious food is provided throughout the operation in a fiscally responsible, sustainable, and safe manner. The Executive Chef is part of the Dining Services Management team and works closely with campus dining, retail, catering, kitchen leadership, and the client to ensure the needs of students, guests, staff, and colleagues are met.

This is a hands-on culinary leadership role for someone who enjoys developing people, strengthening kitchen systems, supporting a high-quality hospitality operation, and leading through both standards and service.

Core Responsibilities of the Executive Chef:
  • Leads and coordinates hot, cold, and bakery food production across campus dining operations.
  • Supervises, trains, schedules, and supports kitchen staff and culinary leadership.
  • Oversees and supports the Chef Manager at Prince Conference Center by providing culinary mentorship, operational guidance, and leadership support
  • Participates in hiring, timekeeping, performance appraisals, coaching, and disciplinary actions for kitchen staff.
  • Works with dining and catering leadership to achieve budgetary goals and maintain fiscal responsibility.
  • Oversees food purchases, vendor selection, product standards, and inventory control in accordance with Creative Dining Services guidelines.
  • Standardizes menus, recipes, production practices, and product usage to ensure quality and consistency across campus kitchens.
  • Challenges culinary leadership to develop on-trend menus, staff training, and operational support that provide excellence in variety and quality.
  • Establishes and maintains food quality, presentation, production, and sanitation standards.
  • Ensures production records, forecasting, and food consumption estimates are completed and used to adjust future production.
  • Partners with leadership to identify high-potential employees, assess skill gaps, and support training and development opportunities.
  • Participates in Food Committee meetings and responds to feedback with professionalism and creativity.
  • Ensures kitchen equipment is maintained properly and that kitchen areas remain organized, clean, safe, and inspection-ready.

Schedule

  • Full-time, salaried leadership position. Schedule will vary based on campus dining needs, coverage needs, events, and business volume.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
  • Culinary Arts Degree with a minimum of five years of leadership experience.
  • ServSafe certification.
  • ServSafe Allergen certification, preferred.
  • Prior culinary management or kitchen leadership experience.
  • Strong knowledge of food production, menu planning, recipe execution, purchasing, inventory, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
  • Experience leading, coaching, and developing culinary team members.
  • A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work professionally with others under pressure.
  • A willingness to be actively engaged in the physical work of a high-quality hospitality service operation.
  • Membership in the American Culinary Federation, preferred.
We Offer:
  • Competitive pay
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Bonus opportunities
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid time off
  • And much, much more!
Why Creative Dining Services?

Creative Dining Services partners with colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience — one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on your community.

Why? Because that’s how it should be.

Creative Dining Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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