Executive Chef 2
Job Description
Role Overview
Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef 2 for Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, IL. We’re looking for a culinary leader who is energized by creating exceptional dining experiences in a vibrant academic environment. In this role, you’ll oversee daily kitchen operations, innovate menus, and bring fresh ideas that resonate with students, faculty, and staff. You’ll step into a setting that values collaboration, quality, and growth—while also supporting a healthy work-life balance. This position is ideal for a chef who enjoys leading a team, elevating food standards, and shaping a welcoming dining program.
At Sodexo, we deliver food, nutrition, environmental, and facilities management solutions to partnered K-12 and independent schools. Joining us at one of our school sites means fostering healthy learning environments and positively influencing the students’ well-being and performance.
What You'll Do
- oversee purchasing, menu execution, inventory management, food cost controls, and production forecasting
- uphold Sodexo culinary standards, ensuring recipe accuracy, consistency, and exceptional food quality
- lead, coach, and inspire team members to adopt new culinary techniques and embrace ongoing innovation
- maintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation practices, and workplace safety protocols
- utilize and manage automated systems for inventory, ordering, production planning, and operational reporting
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
- a solid culinary foundation with a proven ability to stay ahead of emerging trends and industry innovations
- exceptional leadership and communication skills, consistently upholding high culinary standards
- strong coaching abilities with a focus on developing and empowering team members
- a genuine passion for food, creativity, and continuous innovation
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.