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University Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Bon Appetit

Chef Manager - Wingate University

Wingate, NC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Chef Manager - Wingate University Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Bon Appetit

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Bon Appetit

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Emory University

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Job Summary Join the culinary team at Emory University as a Sous Chef, where you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. This ...

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All JobsUniversity Chef Jobs

University Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do university chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for university chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a University Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and often a formal culinary degree or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards (such as ServSafe certification), and inventory management systems is typically required. Leadership, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse team are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals to a large campus community while maintaining efficiency, safety, and team morale.

What are some common challenges faced by a university chef, and how can they be addressed?

University Chefs often face the challenge of catering to a diverse student population with varying dietary needs, including allergies, religious restrictions, and lifestyle choices. Balancing quality, cost, and nutrition while preparing meals in large quantities can be demanding. Staying organized, maintaining open communication with dining staff, and collaborating with nutritionists and campus administrators can help address these challenges. Additionally, keeping up with food trends and student feedback ensures meal offerings remain appealing and inclusive.

What is a university chef?

University chefs are culinary professionals responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the food served in a university’s dining facilities. They design menus that accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and nutritional needs for students, faculty, and staff. Their role often includes managing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety standards, and sourcing quality ingredients. University chefs play a key part in creating a positive dining experience on campus and may also participate in special campus events.

What is the difference between University Chef vs Culinary Instructor?

AspectUniversity ChefCulinary Instructor
Required CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certificationsCooking experience, culinary certifications, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentUniversity kitchens, food service areasClassrooms, culinary labs, kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, food service providersEducational institutions, culinary schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The University Chef primarily focuses on preparing food and managing kitchen operations within a university setting, emphasizing culinary skills. In contrast, a Culinary Instructor teaches cooking techniques and culinary theory to students. While both roles require culinary certifications and experience, the University Chef is more hands-on in food preparation, whereas the Culinary Instructor combines culinary expertise with teaching responsibilities.

More about University Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for University Chef jobs? Cities with the most University Chef job openings:
What states have the most University Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for University Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching University Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for University Chef jobs are:
University Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Sous Chef - Santa Clara University

Bon Appetit

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$78K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Bon Appétit Management Company rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Salary:  $78,000 - $80,000 / year

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Short Description

Santa Clara University is seeking an experienced and driven Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering exceptional dining and catering experiences across campus. This role is ideal for a culinary professional with a strong background in large-scale catering, hotel banquet operations, fine dining, or upscale restaurant environments who thrives in a fast-paced, hospitality-driven setting.

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in the daily operation of the culinary department, assisting with menu execution, staff leadership, catering production, food quality, and operational excellence. Working closely with the Executive Chef, you will help create memorable dining experiences while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, safety, and guest satisfaction.

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily culinary operations, ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and service standards.
  • Lead and execute large-scale catered events, including university functions, donor events, VIP receptions, conferences, and special campus programs.
  • Supervise food preparation, production, and service for both residential dining and catered events.
  • Support menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal offerings with an emphasis on innovation, quality, and current culinary trends.
  • Train, mentor, and develop hourly culinary team members while fostering a positive and collaborative kitchen culture.
  • Assist with purchasing, inventory management, food cost controls, and labor management.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety standards.
  • Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to implement new programs, concepts, and service initiatives.
  • Maintain high standards of organization, cleanliness, and operational efficiency throughout the kitchen.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or formal culinary education from an accredited culinary program preferred.
  • 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in hotel banquet operations, fine dining restaurants, upscale catering, or high-volume hospitality environments.
  • Proven experience executing large-scale catered events and banquet functions.
  • Experience as a Banquet Chef, Sous Chef, or culinary leader within a hotel, conference center, country club, resort, or similar hospitality setting strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of contemporary culinary techniques, menu development, and food presentation.
  • Experience managing high-volume food production while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
  • Knowledge of food cost controls, inventory management, purchasing, and labor management.
  • Ability to lead, coach, and develop diverse culinary teams.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and other foodservice management systems.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
  • ServSafe Certification preferred.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and guest service skills.

 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader who combines creativity with operational discipline. They bring experience from high-end hospitality environments, excel at executing large and complex events, and are passionate about mentoring teams while delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect Santa Clara University's commitment to excellence and hospitality.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

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