Performance Executive Chef

University of Oklahoma/Levy Restaurants
Norman, Oklahoma

Job Summary

Overview:

The University of Oklahoma and Levy Restaurants are seeking an Executive Chef to lead our Football and Basketball Performance Dining operation. This role is central to fueling our student-athletes with innovative and nutritious meals that support training, recovery, and peak performance. The Executive Chef is the leader of the Performance Dining culinary team. Food is a central part of the Oklahoma Athletics sports nutrition program, and the Executive Chef is responsible for bringing the client’s culinary vision to life. The ideal candidate is both an experienced culinarian and an exceptional leader who drives superior operational performance and execution.

Detailed Responsibilities:

  • Understand the nutritional needs of elite athletes and collaborate with dietitians to create tailored menus
  • Demonstrate expertise in scratch cooking and standardized recipes with minimal processed foods
  • Be present and visible during mealtimes to engage with athletes, coaches, and staff
  • Collaborate proactively with the Director of Operations and Sports Nutrition staff
  • Set and uphold standards for culinary excellence
  • Coach and motivate team members to deliver high performance
  • Identify opportunities for culinary improvement and food cost savings
  • Ensure a safe and sanitary culinary environment
  • Partner with purchasing and finance teams to meet budget goals
  • Build and develop the on-site culinary team
  • Oversee equipment upkeep, servicing, and repairs
  • Manage monthly inventory and responsible purchasing
  • Update menus based on trends, data, cost, and popularity
  • Create menu build diagrams and monitor output quality
  • Manage kitchen procedures including opening/closing checklists, cleaning schedules, temperature logs, waste tracking, and pest control
  • Collaborate with Sous Chef on chef table setups
  • Create prep sheets and line layout diagrams for consistent production
  • Provide training and coaching on menu and culinary skills
  • Lead operational development projects and identify process improvements
  • Develop and distribute team schedules with the Director of Operations
  • Conduct pre-shift meetings with Nutrition Operations Coordinator and Sous Chef
  • Administer progressive discipline when necessary
  • Assist with onboarding and orientation of new culinary team members
  • Ensure high standards in food ordering, delivery, prep, transportation, and service per Levy’s sanitation and safety protocols
  • Respond promptly to communications (emails, phone calls, etc.)
  • Work with purchasing/operations to ensure cost efficiency
  • Manage the culinary department budget
  • Attend Levy management meetings as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

  • 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, ideally in performance dining, collegiate athletics, or high-volume foodservice
  • Strong interpersonal and management skills
  • High level of computer literacy
  • Understanding of financial concepts related to inventory and menu costing
  • Passion for hospitality, food, and client satisfaction
  • Intermediate or advanced understanding of elite athlete nutrition preferred
  • Culinary degree strongly preferred
  • ServSafe Manager Certification preferred

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience ($85,000-$95,000)

 

Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture

Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass/Levy, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.


Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.


We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Levy benefits offered.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off Plan
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Levy maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

Req ID:  1462738

 

To Apply: send resume and list of 3 references to Abbie Herkelman at abbieherk@ou.edu