General Manager / Performance Executive Chef - University of Cincinnati Athletics

Job Listing: General Manager / Performance Executive Chef - University of Cincinnati Athletics Team Feed

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location: We are seeking an experienced General Manager / Performance Executive Chef for the University of Cincinnati Athletics Team Feed located in Cincinnati, OH.

Job Overview:

The General Manager / Performance Executive Chef is responsible for the full spectrum of food and beverage operations at Sheakley Athletics Performance Center, the dedicated student-athlete performance dining facility at the University of Cincinnati. This hybrid leadership role combines executive-level culinary expertise with strategic operational management, ensuring a seamless and nutrition-forward dining experience tailored to the needs of student-athletes.

This position oversees both front-of-house and back-of-house functions, providing vision, direction, and execution for performance dining programs in alignment with Sodexo Live! university standards, and NCAA nutritional guidelines. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a passion for sports performance nutrition, a deep understanding of large-scale foodservice management, and a commitment to culinary excellence, financial accountability, and student-athlete well-being.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Culinary & Nutrition-Focused Leadership:
  • Design and oversee all menu development in collaboration with university Athletics Performance Dietitians to support fueling, recovery, and performance goals.
  • Lead daily culinary operations with an emphasis on nutrient timing, food quality, and presentation.
  • Develop seasonal, rotating menus that provide variety and meet dietary needs and restrictions, including allergen management.
  • Support special team events, pregame meals, and other Athletics-driven dining functions.
• Operational Oversight:
  • Manage all food and beverage operations including food procurement, preparation, service, sanitation, and hospitality standards.
  • Oversee front-of-house and back-of-house teams, ensuring alignment on quality, service, and safety protocols.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including ServSafe, HACCP, Sodexo Live!, and university policies.
  • Implement and enforce high standards for cleanliness, food safety, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting; ensure profitability through cost control and strategic planning.
  • Oversee vendor relationships, inventory management, ordering processes, and product quality.
  • Maintain kitchen equipment and monitor for maintenance needs to support operational continuity.
• Team & Culture Leadership:
  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise culinary and front-of-house staff, including line cooks, hospitality leads, and student employees.
  • Foster a culture of culinary innovation, team collaboration, and service excellence aligned with Sodexo Live! values.
  • Champion diversity, inclusion, and staff development across all areas of responsibility.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for university partners, athletics staff, and campus dining leadership.
  • Respond to client and student-athlete feedback to continuously improve the dining experience.
  • Collaborate with other campus dining leaders to ensure integration of athlete dining into broader university dining services.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, or related field preferred.
  • Culinary degree or equivalent from an accredited institution is required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years of senior-level experience in high-volume, contract-managed food and beverage operations.
  • Experience in a sports performance dining setting or collegiate athletics environment is highly desirable.
• Certifications:
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
  • Knowledge of NCAA nutrition compliance standards preferred.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
  • Advanced knowledge of nutrition-focused culinary practices and dietary needs.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and foodservice management systems.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience with P&L responsibility.
  • Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and event-based hours.

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Why Join Sodexo Live!?

At Sodexo Live!, we're proud to be experience makers, creating unforgettable moments for people across a wide range of industries and events. We bring that same commitment to our team members by offering a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one, additional benefits include:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.