Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.
Job Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Chef de Cuisine position. The Chef de Cuisine is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $75,000 to $85,000.
The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.
The Chef de Cuisine provides high-level culinary leadership across all Dining Services operations—including the Dining Hall, retail venues, and catering. Reporting to the Executive Chef, this role helps lead, train, and inspire a diverse culinary team, ensuring excellence in food quality, safety, consistency, and service. The Chef de Cuisine develops seasonal, globally inspired menus using fresh, high-quality ingredients and stays current with emerging culinary trends.
This position requires a strong, collaborative leader with advanced technical skills and a commitment to fostering a positive, respectful, and equitable work environment. The schedule generally runs Sunday through Thursday, with hours that vary based on operational needs, including residential dining, events, and catering. As an essential position, the Chef de Cuisine may be required to report to work or remain on site during emergency closures.
Amherst College Dining Services produces approximately 4,000 meals per day during the academic year and significantly more during summer programs. The Chef de Cuisine plays a central role in supervising and developing culinary staff, managing production, ensuring food safety and sanitation, and maintaining all culinary equipment and workspaces. The role demands adaptability in responding to last-minute menu changes, production shifts, and dietary, religious, or medical accommodations, as well as the ability to navigate labor shortages or shifting schedule needs.
Administrative responsibilities include staff scheduling, collaborative menu planning, production lists, inventory and cost management, loss prevention, compliance with college policies, and coordination of equipment maintenance. The Chef de Cuisine is a key leader within Dining Services, helping to shape a program that is creative, student-centered, and operationally excellent.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Culinary Operations & Oversight
Oversee daily culinary operations and production across campus dining locations, including the Dining Hall, Cold Prep Kitchen, and other outlets. Maintain a strong daily presence in production areas, actively engaging with staff and leadership to ensure smooth operations. Direct and participate in station and service area inspections to uphold operational standards and Health Department regulations. Manage food inventory and the organization of production storage areas. Communicate proactively with team members and leadership regarding operational needs, concerns, and adjustments. Create a supportive and respectful environment that encourages open communication and collaboration at all levels.
Team Leadership & Staff Development
Supervise, lead, and support culinary teams through training, coaching, scheduling, evaluations, and conflict resolution. Foster a positive work environment that builds morale, promotes inclusivity, and encourages a sense of belonging. Develop and coach staff on operational standards, safety procedures, and best practices in food production and service. Support the coordination and rotation of assignments to meet daily needs and employee development goals.
Food Quality, Menu Execution & Safety
Collaborate with the Executive Chefs and Dining Systems Specialist on menu development and implementation. Ensure consistent execution of recipes and production standards across all locations. Educate staff on ingredient details, menu portioning, par levels, food storage, and modifications. Complete and verify production sheets at the end of each meal period. Coordinate closely with the Dining Systems Specialist to ensure accuracy in production lists, nutritional data, and allergen information. Maintain and enhance departmental food safety protocols and operational standards. Champion food safety by ensuring all areas are clean, sanitary, and well-maintained, including oversight of equipment breakdown and cleaning. Implement systematic controls to minimize loss and preserve resources.
Communication and Performance Management
Lead performance management efforts by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, conducting evaluations, and addressing performance concerns constructively. Foster a strong, inclusive workplace culture by promoting collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of ownership among culinary team members. Identify and develop internal talent to support succession planning and long-term staffing stability across all Dining Services locations. Collaborate with other dining areas—retail, catering, and residential—to ensure cohesive communication, consistent standards, and aligned operational goals. Serve as a key communication link between culinary staff, dining leadership, and support teams to ensure information flows efficiently and issues are addressed promptly. Support strategic staffing decisions by sharing insights on team strengths, skill gaps, and development opportunities with leadership.
Food Safety and Allergen Awareness
All Dining Services employees are responsible for understanding and implementing established food safety procedures and allergen prevention protocols. Team members must actively support and respond appropriately to individuals with food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience for all community members.
Employees are expected to apply the knowledge and procedures covered in mandatory training sessions in the course of their daily duties. Maintaining these safety standards is essential to protect the health and well-being of our students, guests, and colleagues.
Qualifications:
Required
High School Diploma or equivalent
7 to 10+ years of related experience
Equivalent combination of education/experience, in lieu of minimum education and related experience; 15+ years culinary management of high volume operations
A valid driver’s license and successful credentialing is required in order to operate college vehicles
Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, active listening, motivational leadership, transparent communication, dependability, and a solution-oriented approach
Technical proficiency in volume hot and cold food production and core culinary fundamentals
Proficiency with Google Suite and experience using menu-management software systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to large groups
Demonstrated customer service excellence, organizational skills, and time-management ability
Ability to taste and work with all ingredients used in production
Ability to mathematically scale recipes up or down
Exceptional attention to detail
Experience and commitment to working with a welcoming and inclusive community
Servsafe and Allertrain certified
Successful completion of required reference and background checks
An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
Preferred
Culinary degree or equivalent training
Supervisory or management experience in high-volume or institutional foodservice
Experience training/mentoring culinary staff
Knowledge of allergens, nutrition, and special diets
Experience with sustainability initiatives (waste reduction, local sourcing), ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain)
Skills in budgeting, purchasing, inventory, and cost control
Familiarity with global cuisines, trends, and scratch cooking
Strong project-management skills for large events or multi-station operations
Ability to collaborate with cross-department partners
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.