Employment Opportunities at USD

5074

Join the University of San Diego culinary team! Be an integral part of our award-winning, nationally recognized culinary program. We are proud to provide 2.5 million meals each year for our campus community of over 8,000 students, in addition to faculty, staff and visitors. Our diverse portfolio of dining locations and services includes; a full service restaurant and pub, retail outlets (four cafes and a coffeehouse), a market and deli, a food court featuring an array of global cuisine, outstanding catering services, athletic concessions at multiple locations, and food service for the child development center.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

This recruitment is open to current University of San Diego employees only. Only current USD employees are eligible to apply and be considered for this position.

The Chef Manager for the Teaching Kitchen at the University of San Diego (USD) plays a key role in overseeing the daily operations of the teaching kitchen, ensuring high-quality food production, culinary instruction, and a positive learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. This position combines hands-on culinary expertise with strong management and teaching skills to create an interactive and educational experience that promotes healthy, sustainable cooking and dining practices.

Periodically, this position may be asked to lead or contribute to either ad hoc or ongoing division/campus projects outside the scope of their day-to-day activities. In addition. This position contributes to or leads additional division/campus projects outside of typical duties to help further accomplish student or organizational goals. Additional assignments may be seasonal, ad hoc or ongoing, depending on the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Culinary Management:   

• Plan, prepare, and execute innovative and seasonal menus for the teaching kitchen, focusing on sustainability, nutrition, and diverse culinary techniques.
• Ensure that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Oversee recipe development and testing for all classes, demos, and events in the teaching kitchen.
• Manage food procurement, inventory, and waste control, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance with budgetary guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, safety, and sanitation, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Teaching & Instruction: 

• Develop and lead culinary classes, workshops, and demonstrations for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Create instructional materials, recipes, and course content that align with the university’s wellness and sustainability goals.
• Teach basic to advanced culinary skills, emphasizing hands-on learning in areas such as food safety, nutrition, knife skills, and various cooking techniques.
• Inspire and mentor students in culinary arts, fostering a love for cooking and an understanding of healthy, balanced meals.

Staff & Student Supervision:    

• Supervise and train kitchen staff, including student workers, interns, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented environment.
• Manage scheduling, assignments, and workflow to ensure smooth kitchen operations and class delivery.
• Oversee the development of student managers, guiding them in culinary best practices, leadership skills, and kitchen management.

Collaboration & Outreach:       

• Partner with university departments and external partners in support of the campus community and the broader San Diego community.
• Collaborate with campus chefs and nutritionist to provide a wide range of programmatic events to the San Diego community at-large.
• Engage the university community in special events, cooking competitions, classes and outreach activities that highlight culinary diversity, sustainability, and health.

Administrative Duties:    

• Oversee the financial performance of the juice bar / teaching kitchen, managing labor, food costs, and other operational expenses.
• Maintain accurate records of class participation, food usage, and financial transactions.
• Develop and implement systems for evaluating the success of culinary programs, utilizing feedback to improve future offerings.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to work a varied hourly work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some overtime may be required during peak periods.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Food Handlers Certificate
• ServSafe Certificate

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, hospitality management, or related field required. However, work experience can substitute for this requirement at a rate of 1 year of work experience equal to 2 years of schooling.
• Minimum of 5 years of culinary management experience, with at least 2 years in an educational or instructional kitchen setting required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a high-volume food production environment preferred

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to define and implement effective solutions to problems as they arise.
• Possess good time management and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Understanding of accounting procedures, including costing and menu pricing processes.
• Appreciation for and ability to perform exceptional customer service and instill this quality in subordinates.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: the ability to interact with a diverse group of constituents.
• Working knowledge of safety and sanitation procedures and inventory techniques.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and calibration techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in a strong service-oriented environment with frequently changing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to high quality in food procurement, production, and services.
• General knowledge of marketing and merchandising techniques.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member as well as independently, demonstrating initiative and creativity.
• Excellent skills in the use of specific equipment and tools as identified below.
• Excellent culinary skills, including experience with diverse cuisines, dietary restrictions, and nutrition-focused cooking.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising and developing staff.
• Passion for teaching and mentoring, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse range of participants.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail in inventory control, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Commitment to sustainability, wellness, and the university’s mission of creating a healthy campus environment.

$5546.67-5630 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing date: October 25, 2024

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.