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Executive Chef

Company:
Harvard University
Location:
Cambridge, MA
Posted:
May 12, 2025
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Description:

Requisition Number

68232BR

Business Title

Executive Chef

School/Unit

Campus Services

Position Description

Operational Management

Ensures high standards are consistently met via the implementation of all HUDS and University quality assurance policies and procedures related to food, sanitation, equipment and facility maintenance and management, safety, etc.

Coordinate, plan and supervise the production, plating, and presentation of food at all catered events while meeting customer expectations.

In collaboration with the Director of Culinary, develop and create seasonal menus and food concepts for review with the General Manager.

Implement and monitor FoodPro menu and inventory management system including, but not limited to ensuring cost control and mitigation of loss prevention, completion of weekly inventory audits; maintenance of appropriate inventory levels based on menu needs, etc.

Develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships with relevant University personnel, students, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Ensure kitchen equipment (i.e.: dishwasher, ovens, refrigeration, exhaust, and ventilation systems) is operational. Submits necessary requests for repair if necessary.

Implement and manage Unit-specific sustainability goals and programs.

Responsible for maintaining sanitation standards in compliance with city and state laws, Harvard Environmental Health and Safety regulations, departmental and HACCP policies.

Ensures all EH&S logs are completed accurately and are stored in binders correctly.

Complies with State of Massachusetts and Dining Services’ “Food Employee Illness Policy”.

In accordance with HUDS standards, ensures the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire back of house, including back- and cook-chill kitchens, storerooms, refrigerators, freezers, loading dock, bathrooms, and common areas.

This is a hands on Chef position

Fiscal Management

Assist with the development and management of the annual operational budget which includes, but is not limited to management of MORS, estimation and management of food and labor cost goals, etc.

Submit all invoices and PCard documentation per HUDS policy and procedure. Audit and review documents for accuracy prior to submission.

Ensures all reporting is completed per University standards and all record-keeping is maintained in accordance with University policy.

Encourages creative approaches to improved financial viability including cost reduction initiatives and other related efforts.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required

Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Basic Qualifications:

HS Diploma or equivalent and specialized training in Culinary Arts.

5 years of related culinary management and experience in developing a quality food program in a restaurant or hospitality environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams).

Operational knowledge of industrial kitchen equipment (dishwasher, oven, ventilation systems, etc.).

Operational experience with a variety of food service applications and computerized menu management systems. Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and applications as needed.

Ability to become ServSafe Certified within six months of employment.

Schedule availability must include nights, weekends and holidays and be on-call as needed.

Additional Qualifications:

Associates or bachelor’s degree in culinary arts or related field.

Experience managing in a unionized environment.

Knowledge of Kronos timekeeping software or similar system.

Knowledge of FoodPro Menu Management system.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Operational experience with industrial kitchen equipment (dishwasher, oven, ventilation systems, etc.)

Operational experience with food service applications and computerized menu management systems

A passion for food and knowledge of current food trends.

Strong record of business acumen including financial and human resource management.

Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.

Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.

Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.

Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Good professional judgment and ability to independently make sound business decisions.

Skilled at addressing a variety situations and negotiating successful outcomes with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Must be adaptable to a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Works professionally, ethically and with integrity; Uphold the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.

Physical Requirements

Position frequently involves long hours and widely diverse duties

Must be able to lift (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bend, stoop and perform other physical exertion

Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed

Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes, and excessive noise

Standing and walking for significant amounts of time is necessary

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Personnel

Employee and Labor Management

Provide leadership and direction to a diverse teams of exempt and unionized, non-exempt workforce. Develop and maintain a positive and collaborative working environment that promotes, open communication, consistency, fairness, and opportunities for continuous learning while achieving the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.

Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff via regular meetings, two-way communication, timely feedback, collaboration, and consistent visibility in the work unit.

Develop and maintain professional relationships with Union Shop Stewards.

Interview candidates and hire based on approved budget and staffing pattern. Complete probationary employee evaluation form as required. Complete annual performance evaluations for exempt staff as assigned.

Ensures performance expectations and work rules are clearly communicated and implemented via regular coaching, mentoring and regular staff meetings.

In consultation with Human Resources, imposes corrective action measures as needed while complying with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and University policy and procedure.

In collaboration with Human Resources and HUDS Management, ensures employment practices are compliant with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and all University personnel policy and procedures.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Hospitality & Dining Services

Job Code

Y1057M FD Culinary Services Mgt III

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Dining Services

Salary Grade

057

Department

Dining Services/ Harvard Law School

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday Flexible Schedule

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-JD3

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