Chef Manager - Quick Hire!

Creative Dining Services is a respected food service management company known for delivering exceptional culinary experiences within a wide range of settings, including higher education, healthcare, corporate dining, and event catering. With a strong commitment to quality, integrity, and sustainability, Creative Dining Services partners with organizations to create innovative dining programs that meet the tastes and nutritional needs of diverse communities. Their client-centered approach focuses on fresh, seasonally inspired menus crafted by culinary professionals who are passionate about food and hospitality. As a company dedicated to doing business the right way, Creative Dining Services emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and continuous growth, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally. The Chef Manager role at Creative Dining Services is based at Calvin University, where the successful candidate will report directly to the Director of Culinary. This full-time, exempt position offers a competitive salary and benefits package tailored to attract skilled culinary professionals who excel in leadership and operational management. The Chef Manager is a pivotal member of the culinary team, responsible for overseeing all daily kitchen operations with a focus on delivering high-quality food, exceptional presentation, and outstanding customer satisfaction. This role combines culinary creativity with strong business acumen, requiring the Chef Manager to develop innovative menus and recipes that reflect the brand’s standards and appeal to client preferences. In this leadership role, the Chef Manager will also manage budgets, control costs, and maintain accurate inventory and purchasing records to ensure financial performance aligns with organizational goals. They will play an active part in hiring, training, and mentoring kitchen staff, fostering a team-oriented culture of professionalism and continuous improvement. Collaboration is key, as the Chef Manager will work closely with clients and dining committees to ensure responsiveness and satisfaction with the dining experience provided. Additional responsibilities include overseeing catering programs, marketing initiatives, and merchandising efforts, ensuring all food service activities comply with health, safety, and sanitation standards as well as company policies. The ideal candidate for this role is a passionate and detail-oriented culinary professional with at least two years of chef experience or three years in food service with a kitchen focus, accompanied by at least two years of supervisory or management experience. ServSafe certification is a mandatory requirement given the production-focused nature of this position. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic math skills related to food costing. Experience managing high-volume food operations, particularly in college, healthcare, or corporate dining environments, is highly preferred. Working as the Chef Manager at Creative Dining Services means joining a mission-driven company that values sustainability, excellence, and integrity. The role demands a hands-on leader who takes pride in their team and the culinary output, balancing both kitchen and office responsibilities with adaptability and enthusiasm. Creative Dining Services offers opportunities for professional growth through advancement and ongoing development while fostering a positive workplace culture where innovation and collaboration flourish. Interested culinary leaders ready to bring their passion for food and strong leadership skills are encouraged to apply and become a part of this dynamic and rewarding team.

• Minimum 2 years of chef experience or 3 years of food service experience with a kitchen focus
• at least 2 years of supervisory or management experience
• ServSafe certification required for production-focused roles
• strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic food costing and math skills
• management experience in high-volume food operations, college, healthcare, or corporate dining preferred