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University Chef Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef Position Type: Full Time What We Do Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is an active, yet relaxed, Life Plan Community in Gainesville, Florida. We offer a full continuum of health care ...

Sous Chef

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef Position Type: Full Time What We Do Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is an active, yet relaxed, Life Plan Community in Gainesville, Florida. We offer a full continuum of health care ...

Executive Chef

Ave Maria, FL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Ave Maria University, Ave Maria FL Salary: 80-83K Now seeking a talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead our AMAZING Culinary Team in a busy and multi-outlet ...

Executive Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Gainesville, Florida Relocation ... University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the ...

Executive Chef

Orlando, FL · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Gainesville, Florida Relocation ... University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the ...

Executive Chef

Tampa, FL

$67K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Gainesville, Florida Relocation ... University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the ...

Executive Chef

Orlando, FL · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Gainesville, Florida Relocation ... University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the ...

Executive Chef

Tampa, FL · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Gainesville, Florida Relocation ... University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the ...

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University Chef information

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to University Chef jobs in Florida?

For University Chef jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching University Chef jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for University Chef jobs in Florida are:

Infographic showing various University Chef job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

SOUS CHEF I - CATERING - SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Compass Group

Lakeland, FL • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,091 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 494 rated business services


Job description

Location: SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - LAKELAND, FL

Salary:  $50,000 - $55,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO 

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Do you enjoy using your culinary skills in fast paced growing environment? We are currently seeking a Catering Sous Chef at the Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. In this role, you will be responsible for successfully supporting the catering culinary operations as well as supporting student dining operations. You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, as well as developing daily menu items and their preparation and garnishment. Additionally, you may supervise hourly associates and collaborate with the Executive Chef/Chefs to develop new menus and assist with ordering. With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance professionally and make an immediate impact in our culinary landscape!  

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Executive Chef and culinary team with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account 
  • Assists the Executive Chef and culinary team with planning and creating menus 
  • Produce and execute catering events 
  • Roll out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams 
  • Foster strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving satisfaction and retention 
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • A.S. or equivalent experience 
  • Culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training 
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable 
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation 
  • Must be experienced with computers 
  • ServSafe Certified  

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of crafting outstanding dining experiences at Southeastern University!

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed 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)
  • 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_ChartwellsHED.pdf

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

Req ID: 1551443

Chartwells HE 

SHARON MCNEELEY 

[[req_classification]] 


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