Head Chef/Catering Manager

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Serving as the head chef, this position oversees our catering program while supporting daily kitchen operations. This role is responsible for leading menu innovation, food preparation, inventory/ordering and the safety and sanitation standards of our food service areas. This position reports to the Auxiliary Services Director.

This position requires evening and weekend work, ensuring adequate coverage and preparations of food service department. It is essential the incumbent keep and up-to-date serv safe manager certification and food handlers permit with the State of Washington.

• Foster and establish a positive, collaborative and efficient work environment within division, college and community; work collaboratively with campus staff and clients in providing a high-quality customer service experience for all.
• Plan and execute catered events, collaborate with event services specialist and clients to customize menus; process billing in accordance with college policy.
• Oversee, make changes to and approve cafeteria and catering menus and pricing methods; establish recipe and procedural documentation; evaluates frequently to match current market trends and customer needs.
• Order food and beverage for college cafeteria and caterings functions; meet with vendors in establishing new accounts; Prepare requisitions and credit card reconciling for food, supplies and equipment.
• Assist with preventive maintenance schedule and programs in collaboration with facilities department, Food and Beverage Manager, and Auxiliary Services Director; ensure college assets are protected and maintained for full expected life; prepare sanitation schedules, supervise and participate in sanitation and service of equipment and facilities.
• Supervise assigned staff, ensure proper food service worker training and certification.
• Manage storage of food, supplies and equipment; complete frequent inventory of food; complete annual inventory of supplies and equipment; suggest purchase of new supplies and equipment as needed.
• Complete opening and closing procedures, ensuring cash in till and completed deposit.
• Serve as direct contact for caterings proposals, menu pricing and innovation for catering functions; respond to inquiries in timely manner; develop and make changes to program to ensure successful self-sufficient program.
• Supervise and participate in all catering functions including ordering, food prep, cooking, cleaning and billling; ensure catering program is annually reviewed and changes are made for the improvement of program, department and college.
• Ensure adequate coverage of caterings; frequently meet with campus users and promote centralia college as a catering choice.
• Work collaboratively with campus staff and ensure campus catering needs are met.
• Assist with special events planning and oversight; Serve as event liaison; may work in other campus food service areas.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Four years' cooking experience in a large-scale food service or culinary operation, including one year of supervisory or lead work.
• Washington State Food Worker Card
• Valid Driver's License
• ServSafe certification upon completion of probationary period (within first 90 days)
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends as needed depending on specific events.

• Associate's Degree or certificate in culinary arts, restaurant management, hotel and restaurant administration, or related field from an accredited institution;
• Six years of food service work, including three years of lead or supervisory experience, including large scale catering experience or equivalent education or experience.
• Experience working in auxiliary services of an institution of higher education.

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time professional technical overtime eligible exempt position. The salary is $55,000 - $65,000 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

DEADLINE: The screening committee will begin their first review on April 17, 2025. Position is open until filled.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $55,000 - 65,000 (DOQ/DOE)

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.