Immediate Opening in Hampton,VA,USA for a Traveling Executive

Hampton University, located in Hampton, Virginia, is a historically Black university with a proud heritage and a strong commitment to academic excellence. The university is situated on the picturesque Virginia Peninsula, providing a vibrant academic environment that blends rich history with modern innovation. With a diverse student body representing 49 states and 35 countries, Hampton University fosters an inclusive community that drives leadership development, inspires students, and prepares them for successful futures across various fields. The campus is known not only for its rigorous academic programs in liberal arts, technology, and graduate studies but also for its dedicated focus on cultivating leaders who are ready to make impactful changes in their communities and beyond. Thompson Hospitality is one of the largest and most respected restaurant, food service, and facilities management companies in the United States. Established over 33 years ago, the company is founded on core values such as integrity, commitment to excellence, and treating others with respect. These values have guided Thompson Hospitality in building enduring partnerships with clients, guests, and the communities it serves. The company prides itself on delivering high-quality dining experiences and innovative food service solutions across diverse sectors, including education, hospitality, and healthcare. Thompson Hospitality places a strong emphasis on employee development, offering competitive benefits and opportunities for growth within a supportive and values-driven work culture. The role of Traveling Executive Chef at Hampton University, provided through Thompson Hospitality, offers a unique opportunity for seasoned culinary professionals who are passionate about leadership and exceptional food service. This position requires the candidate to live in or near Hampton Roads, Virginia, and involves extensive travel to manage and lead campus dining operations. As a Traveling Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing the preparation and delivery of high-quality meals that meet the diverse needs of the university community. Your leadership will be essential in driving culinary innovation, managing kitchen teams, and maintaining rigorous food safety standards. The Traveling Executive Chef will design and plan diverse menus that are nutritionally balanced, cost-effective, and sustainable, while aligning with the preferences of students, faculty, and staff. You will lead a team of culinary professionals, providing training, development, and performance evaluations to foster a collaborative and growth-focused environment. Managing budgets, controlling food and labor costs, minimizing waste, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations are critical components of this role. You will also establish and maintain strong relationships with food suppliers and vendors to procure quality ingredients and supplies. This leadership role demands a deep understanding of culinary trends, dietary requirements, and sustainable practices, enabling continuous enhancement of the dining experience on campus. The job requires working long hours, including evenings and weekends, and the physical ability to operate in a fast-paced kitchen environment. The successful candidate will have a culinary degree and relevant certifications, along with proven experience in executive culinary leadership, preferably within higher education food service settings. Excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills are essential, as well as the capability to manage a diverse and dynamic team effectively. This position comes with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; a 401(k) plan with company match; short- and long-term disability coverage; tuition reimbursement; and various employee discounts. Employees and their relatives also benefit from discounted meal plans at Hampton University and other HBCU client locations during their schooling. This role not only offers a fulfilling career path but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an educational environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hampton University and Thompson Hospitality are committed to equal opportunity employment, embracing diversity in their workforce and focusing on qualifications, merit, and business needs in all hiring decisions.

• Must live in or near Hampton Roads, VA
• Must be able to work 50-55 hours per week including evenings and weekends
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 10-12 hours per shift
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and twisting during food preparation and equipment handling
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for chopping, slicing, plating, and using kitchen tools and machinery
• Ability to work in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards
• Ability to move freely in large kitchen spaces, storage areas, and multiple dining facilities across campus
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment
• May require climbing ladders or using step stools to access upper storage or equipment