Chef
Huston-Tillotson University – Austin, Texas
POSITION SUMMARY
A Chef in University Dining Services is responsible for leading and supervising food production, ensuring quality and timely service, training staff, and managing inventory and costs within a university dining hall. The role involves creating menus, managing food preparation, and maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee food production, ensuring quality, presentation, and timely delivery of meals for daily operations, special events, and summer schedules.
- Develop and implement menus that meet operational needs, dietary requirements, and customer preferences.
- Manage food production sheets, inventory levels, and procurement needs.
- Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate kitchen staff, including student employees.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and health codes.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
- Monitor food quality, equipment condition, and work areas to ensure established standards are met.
- Control food, labor, and operational costs while maintaining service quality and budget compliance.
- Investigate and resolve issues related to food production, supplies, staffing, and equipment.
- Execute culinary services for special events, catering functions, and other unique assignments as required.
- Provide ongoing coaching and training on food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and customer service practices.
- Collaborate with dining services staff, managers, and other chefs to ensure efficient and effective operations.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
Qualifications
- High school diploma and or culinary degree if feasible
- On the job experience 3-5 years or more.
- Safe -Serve Certificate
- Cooking for 300-400 guest per meal experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Thorough knowledge of food preparation techniques, culinary procedures, and kitchen operations.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and HACCP principles.
- Ability to lead, supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
- Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Knowledge of inventory control and food production systems.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
SUPERVISION
- This position reports to the Director of Operations.
SALARY RANGE
- $60,000 – $70,000 annually.
POSITION STATUS
- This position is not a direct-hire position with Huston-Tillotson University and will be employed by Ala Carte Menu Services, Inc.
- Flexible time; in-person.
SETTING
Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin’s first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. All faculty are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to one, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.