Executive Sous Chef (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $53,500 - $92,100. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $62,200 - $74,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 2, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced food service professional and is able to identify and resolve a wide range of quality assurance issues in creative and imaginative ways. Inspects and audits dining unit meal services for menu consistency, adherence to food safety guidelines, production safety, and food cost accuracy. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting quality assurance methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Is responsible for managing financial and budgetary targets, along with procurement and inventory control of day-to-day residential or retail dining operations. Responsible for financial accountability to systems and processes, including accurate ordering and inventory management, appropriate product selection, and vendor relationships. Manage food safety, sanitation procedures, and standards, and ensure staff are trained in proper food handling techniques according to health and safety standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures quality and creativity in menu planning and presentation. Ensures that concepts, menus, recipes, and food specifications meet financial goals. Manages budgetary responsibility within the cost per meal and cost guidelines. Ensures budgetary goals are met and on track.
• Ensures compliance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and all regulations mandated by local, state, and federal agencies regarding safety, health, and sanitation. Manages food safety and sanitation procedures and standards and ensures staff are trained in proper food handling techniques according to health and safety standards.
• Implements quality assurance standards in dining facilities. Manage food safety, sanitation procedures, and standards, and ensure staff are trained in proper food handling techniques according to health and safety standards.
• Conducts training in food production, presentation, portion control, proportion, sanitation, safety, and service.
• Monitors quality assurance systems in cooperation with dining management.
• Audits dining facilities to ensure safety, sanitation, handling, and storage of food and food equipment used. Facilitates the cleaning and maintaining of safety and sanitation standards of all concepts.
• Audits recipes in computerized food system and green operational practices.
• Assist Chef Managers with computerized menu management system.
• Interacts and coordinates with external celebrity / consulting training chefs.
• Develops, institutes, maintains and provides exceptional customer service standards.
• May be required to operate a vehicle.
• May assist in maintaining satisfactory customer relations.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Associate degree Culinary Arts or Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience/training.
• 3 years of related experience or 7 years of related equivalent education/experience/training.
• CCC certification with the American Culinary Federation or equivalent. (Preferred)
• Valid California DL or access to reliable means of transportation to successfully meet the travel requirements of the position.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of food and production.
• Thorough verbal and written communication in the English language, active listening, dynamic flexibility, critical thinking, and ability to multi-task and ensure effective time management.
• Thorough decision making and reasoning skills, and ability to develop original ideas to solve problems including operations analysis and quality control analysis.
• Intermediate computer application skills.
• Thorough and effective interpersonal and work leadership skills to provide guidance to all levels of personnel.
• Advanced knowledge in food preparation, culinary trends, vegetarian, vegan and raw cuisine, nutrition, special dietary needs, allergy awareness and sanitation regulations. (Preferred)
• Culinary experience in restaurant or dining service/hospitality field, including but not limited to menu development, catering, food production, handling and storage, quality control, health and safety. (Preferred)
• Experience working independently to initiate and execute new programs, menu development, and operational change. (Preferred)
• Experience with computer-based systems to administer and manage food service, including but not limited to production, purchasing, forecasting, menus, labor scheduling and management, financial reports and meal plan control. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of financial management to successfully administer a budget. (Preferred)
• Experience and skill to work cooperatively in individual, group, and formal settings, and to interact effectively with diverse communities, university staff, and students.
• Interpersonal communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with individuals of varying backgrounds and perspectives to research and secure information to resolve problems.
• Skill to write concise, logical, and grammatically correct operational / administrative related reports or correspondence, including but not limited to recipes, schedules, procedures, employee performance evaluations, and reports. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of University systems, policies and procedures, and familiarity with the UC Merced campus community, its goals and philosophies. (Preferred)
• ServSafe certification or equivalent. Knowledge of related Federal, State, Local, and UC regulations. Knowledge of nutrition education programs and nutrient data of foods. Spanish / English bilingual. (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.