CHEF DE CUISINE, Husky Den - Quick Hire!

The University of Washington (UW) is a prestigious public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and innovation. Situated in a vibrant and scenic environment, UW is dedicated to fostering a healthy, intellectually stimulating, and inclusive community for staff, students, and faculty. Employees at UW are valued for their energy, creativity, and dedication to impactful work that benefits campus life, the state of Washington, and the world at large. The university places great emphasis on professional development, excellent benefits, and creating a positive workplace culture that supports growth and job satisfaction. Within this dynamic university environment, the Housing and Food Services (HFS) department plays a crucial role in enhancing the student experience by providing exceptional dining and residential services. HFS supports over 10,000 student residents and manages more than 40 dining locations across the UW campus. The department is staffed by over 1,200 professionals and students who collaborate to offer high-quality food services, emphasizing teamwork and outstanding customer care. HFS is committed to creativity and innovation in food service that meets diverse dietary needs while maintaining sustainability and adherence to health standards. The Chef de Cuisine position within HFS offers an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional to lead and manage day-to-day culinary operations of a high-volume food service unit. The Chef de Cuisine will oversee the culinary performance and leadership of the assigned unit, guiding and inspiring a team of cooks, leads, and service staff. This role involves managing culinary operations in a multi-concept food court setting, developing menus in collaboration with senior culinary leadership, ensuring consistent food quality, safety, and presentation, and meeting financial and operational goals. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills and a customer-focused approach, maintaining excellent relationships with students, guests, and colleagues while fostering a collaborative work environment. The position requires expertise in kitchen and food management, including inventory, labor, safety, and budget oversight. The Chef de Cuisine will also play a vital role in training and developing staff, supporting recipe management systems, and contributing creatively to new menu concepts aligned with customer preferences and dining trends. This is a full-time, regular position offering a competitive salary of $80,844 annually. The role requires a consistent onsite presence with flexibility to work at multiple campus sites and participate in special events as needed. UW HFS offers an enriching workplace where culinary professionals can thrive alongside passionate colleagues, with the support of fair union policies and comprehensive benefits.

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or related field
• Two years of sous chef-level management experience in culinary operations
• Leadership experience in high-volume seated restaurant, hotel, or university dining venue
• Proven ability to execute cook-to-order menu items
• Skilled in kitchen expediting and restaurant service
• Experience with concept development, kitchen management, and cost controls
• Ability to train and lead staff effectively
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in performance management and corrective action
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Possession of a Washington State Food Handler’s Card
• ServSafe certification within three months of hire and maintained thereafter
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License to operate UW vehicles
• Successful completion of employment reference and education verification
• Ability to work full-time onsite with flexibility for multiple campus locations
• Willingness to participate in special events and essential staff duties during inclement weather.