Chef De Cuisine - Vail Commons

Davidson College Dining is seeking a highly skilled, innovative, and student-focused Chef De Cuisine to lead all culinary operations within Vail Commons, Davidson College's flagship all-you-care-to-eat residential dining facility. The Chef De Cuisine is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food production, menu execution, culinary team leadership, food quality, food safety, allergen management, inventory control, and labor management. **Position Summary** Davidson College Dining is seeking a highly skilled, innovative, and student-focused **Chef De Cuisine** to lead all culinary operations within **Vail Commons**, Davidson College's flagship all-you-care-to-eat residential dining facility. The Chef De Cuisine is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food production, menu execution, culinary team leadership, food quality, food safety, allergen management, inventory control, and labor management. Reporting to the Residential Dining Director, the Chef De Cuisine provides daily leadership to Sous chefs, cooks, and production team while ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and service. This position plays a critical role in creating an outstanding residential dining experience that supports student well-being, community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and the mission of Davidson College. The Chef De Cuisine serves as the culinary leader for Vail Commons and works collaboratively with DC Dining leadership, nutrition professionals, students, faculty, and campus partners to deliver innovative and inclusive dining programs. **Essential Responsibilities** **Culinary Leadership & Operations** - Direct all culinary operations within Vail Commons Dining Hall. - Lead daily food production and execution for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night, and special dining programs. - Supervise Sous Chefs, Lead Cooks, Production Cooks, and culinary support staff. - Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to Davidson Dining standards. - Maintain consistency in quality, flavor, presentation, and portion control. - Monitor production schedules to ensure operational efficiency and service excellence. - Participate in food production and culinary execution as needed while maintaining a leadership presence throughout operations. **Menu Execution & Development** - Execute seasonal and rotating menus developed in collaboration with the Culinary Director. - Develop recipes, production schedules, and station guides to support consistent execution. - Standardize recipes and production methods to ensure quality and cost control. - Assist with menu innovation and culinary programming that reflects student preferences and emerging food trends. - Support culturally diverse dining programs and special themed events. - Ensure menu offerings accommodate vegetarian, vegan, allergen-conscious, and other dietary needs. **Food Quality & Guest Experience** - Establish and maintain high culinary standards throughout all dining platforms within Vail Commons. - Conduct regular tasting sessions and quality reviews. - Ensure food is fresh, appealing, properly prepared, and served at safe temperatures. - Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements when necessary. - Engage with students and campus guests to gather feedback and enhance the dining experience. - Support special events including Orientation, Family Weekend, Reunion Weekend, Commencement, and Night Owl Breakfasts. **Food Safety & Allergen Management** - Ensure strict compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards. - Maintain compliance with Davidson College policies, health department regulations, and ServSafe standards. - Oversee allergen management procedures and cross-contact prevention protocols. - Ensure accurate food labeling and ingredient transparency. - Conduct regular food safety audits and corrective action plans. - Train culinary staff on sanitation, HACCP principles, allergen awareness, and workplace safety. **Team Leadership & Developm…