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University Chef Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Westlake, TX · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Deloitte University Hotel & Conference Center - Benchmark Hospitality - High-end private hotel and ... The Sous Chef is responsible for the day-to-day production of the kitchen. The Sous Chef will ...

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University Chef information

See Texas salary details

$9

$22

$41

How much do university chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for university chef in Texas is $22.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Texas?

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for University Chef jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most University Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various University Chef job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,724 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$49K - $66K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Description

In the absence of the Head Chef, to assume complete responsibility for the overall kitchen operation as per the Head Chef Job Description. To Support the Head Chef in the efficient management of the kitchen at all times.

Job Responsibilities
  • Day to day involvement to a high standard, in compliance with client contract.
  • To fully familiarise yourself with all company policy and procedures and to guarantee daily implementation of Food Safety and Hygiene are maintained in the kitchen in line with current legislation. All such matters pertaining to safety and hygiene must be reported to the Head Chef or unit Manager
  • To assist in crafting all menu cycles ensuring constant innovation and food variety whilst ensuring budgeted gross profit margins.
  • To make certain the highest standard of food quality, presentation and service are achieved and maintained.
  • To aid with all food orders ensuring that only approved suppliers are used in order to fully exploit broker supplier costs.
  • To share responsibility with the Head Chef for the checking, probing and signing of food deliveries to verify that only the highest standards of produce is accepted into the unit and to corroborate the accurate procedures are followed if experiencing any difficulties with suppliers.
  • To ensure the unit adheres to the Food Hygiene Regulations Act 1950, Food Hygiene Regulations 1971 and any other relevant legislation.
  • Confirm H.A.C.C.P procedures are being implemented and that all records and food safety checks assigned to you are being maintained within the kitchen and related areas.
  • To assist with carrying out stock-takes as appropriate.
  • To assist Head Chef in evaluating the training needs of all kitchen staff.
  • As a member of the team, you are equally responsible for cleaning and hygiene and that any assigned daily and weekly cleaning duties are carried out to standard.
  • To review the kitchen hazard list every week with the Head Chef.
  • To maintain good communications and working relationship with your client, customers, and all staff.
  • To ensure that all staff rigorously enforce to the Company Dress Code daily.
  • The performance of any reasonable task which assists with the service, food preparation, hygiene, safety, and other matters relating to the efficient operation of the unit.
Qualifications
  • Ability to lead kitchen operation in Head Chef’s absence.
  • Ability to balance multiple tasks.
  • Ability to deal and communicate optimally with staff and customers at all levels.
  • Ability to follow accurately and issue instructions, written or oral.
  • Strong people leadership skills.
  • NVQ Level 1,2 & 3 or equivalent
  • Basic Food Hygiene
  • 1-2 years’ experience in a professional kitchen or productive catering
  • Experience of purchasing and profit optimization.
  • Experience in industrial catering.
  • Experience of H.A.C.C.P documentation
  • Experience of menu planning
  • Dedication and self-motivation
  • Good reliability and time keeping.
  • To work on own initiative or as part of a team
  • Courteous manner
  • Flexible approach to hours and duties
  • Willingness to undergo training as the need arises
Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

More detail about Aramark - Southern Methodist University part of Aramark, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/1006723-Aramark---Southern-Methodist-University