What are the responsibilities and job description for the Culinary Director position at Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services?
At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.
Job Summary
Fuel Innovation. Inspire Excellence. Lead at Texas A&M.
Chartwells Higher Education is seeking an inspired Director of Culinary Operations to lead the dynamic, multi-unit culinary program at Texas A&M University-one of our most prestigious and complex showcase accounts. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of campus dining at a school renowned for its commitment to culinary innovation and hospitality.
Why Texas A&M? Why Chartwells?
As the exclusive dining partner for Texas A&M, Chartwells takes pride in fueling the campus community-including students, faculty, and elite student-athletes-with world-class, performance-driven meals. From residential dining halls to athlete nutrition programs and high-end catering, our team is at the forefront of culinary creativity and excellence. This role is more than just overseeing a kitchen-it’s about driving innovation, mentorship, and the evolution of campus dining.
What You’ll Do:
Lead & Innovate: Serve as the culinary visionary, setting high standards of excellence and shaping the future of food service at Texas A&M.
Develop Award-Winning Menus: Research, test, and launch cutting-edge food programs that elevate the student dining experience, including tailored high-performance nutrition for athletes.
Mentor Culinary Talent: Cultivate a high-performance team by mentoring senior chefs across multiple locations and divisions.
Create Training Opportunities: Implement best practices and provide hands-on training to ensure continuous professional growth.
Stay Ahead of Trends: Engage with industry leaders, attend trade shows, and integrate emerging culinary trends into the program.
Drive Operational Success: Oversee menu development, costing, inventory management, and quality assurance to ensure consistency and excellence.
What We’re Looking For:
- A visionary culinary leader with a track record of success in high-volume, multi-unit food service operations.
- A passionate mentor who thrives on developing and inspiring chefs and managers.
- An innovator with deep knowledge of food trends, sustainability, and cutting-edge culinary techniques.
- A strategic thinker who excels in menu engineering, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience in high volume, complex service and catering operations
- Minimum of two years of menu development
- Knowledge of budgets, food and labor costs, inventory controls
- Comprehensive knowledge of international cuisines and catering trends
- Thorough understanding of food equipment and safety standards
- Strong organizational, leadership, coaching and training skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and work demands
- Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask
- Ability to travel extensively
- Capable of representing the Company in food service industry events and public relations appearances
- Strong computer skills; including MS office, recipe management and nutrition programs
Why Join Us?
Chartwells Higher Education is transforming campus dining-this is your opportunity to lead a flagship culinary program at one of the nation’s premier universities. Be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ready to make an impact at Texas A&M? Apply now and lead the charge in redefining campus dining!
Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!
Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group US
