Vice President, Culinary – Corporate Services

About This Role

This executive role is responsible for defining and executing the culinary vision, strategy, and standards across all Corporate Services brands for Sodexo. It involves overseeing culinary innovation, operational excellence, chef leadership, menu development, vendor partnerships, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a long-term culinary strategy aligned with brand positioning and growth goals
• Lead menu innovation, seasonal menu cycles, tastings, and R&D for all concepts
• Establish culinary operating standards, recipes, procedures, and quality benchmarks
• Partner with Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to drive profitability, food cost optimization, and efficiency
• Lead, mentor, and develop regional chefs, executive chefs, R&D chefs, and culinary managers nationwide
• Ensure world-class food quality, presentation, and consistency
• Analyze culinary trends, guest insights, and competitive data to inform development
• Oversee sourcing strategy for premium ingredients and specialty products
• Manage culinary budgets, forecasts, food cost targets, labor productivity, and capital investments

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive culinary leadership (Corporate Chef, Executive Chef, Culinary Director)
• Experience in national or high-volume fast casual and fine dining environments
• Proven experience leading multi-unit, multi-state culinary teams
• Expertise in luxury, chef-driven, or Michelin-influenced dining
• Strong business acumen with ability to balance creativity and profitability
• Deep knowledge of culinary trends, premium sourcing, global influences, and modern cooking techniques
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Ability to travel nationally as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of progressive culinary leadership in roles such as Corporate Chef, Executive Chef, or Culinary Director; 10 years of minimum management and functional experience.

Benefits