Unit Chef - St Mary's in Villanova, Pennsylvania at Villanova University

NewSalary: $59800 - $66900
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085, United States
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Job Description

Villanova University
Unit Chef - St Mary's

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:20260468S
Position Title:Unit Chef - St Mary's
Position Type:Staff
Location:Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department:412-Dining Services Operations
Position Summary:
Founded in 1842 and recognized among the nation’s best colleges and universities, we are a mission-driven institution inspired by the values of truth, unity, love, and dedication to serving the common good. At Villanova, we believe our people are our most precious asset. That’s why we offer a vibrant and collaborative campus environment and invest in our employees through competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support your professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success.

Benefits include:
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement savings plan with University contributions
• Well-being programs and resources
• Flexible work options where appropriate

We invite you to join a community where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference. Learn more about the benefits of working at Villanova on our website.

The Unit Chef provides culinary and operational leadership for St. Mary’s Dining Operations, supporting high-quality food production and an exceptional dining experience for students and the university community. This position leads daily kitchen operations, including menu execution, food production, staffing, training, scheduling, food quality, food safety, sanitation, inventory, and equipment oversight.

The Unit Chef works closely with the Chef Manager and Dining Services Leadership to ensure consistent execution of menus and recipes, effective use of resources, and compliance with Dining Services standards and university policies. The Unit Chef leads and develops kitchen staff, promotes a positive and collaborative work environment, and ensures the kitchen is organized, efficient, and prepared to meet operational needs.

This position may also support special events, catering, and other Dining Services operations as needed and may work directly in food production or on the service line to support the operation.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Provides day-to-day leadership and direction to kitchen staff, including participating in recruitment, hiring, scheduling, onboarding, training and performance management. Develops and supports employees by providing training on food preparation, recipes, food safety, sanitation, equipment operation, and Dining Services standards. Promotes a safe, respectful, and collaborative work environment and holds staff accountable for established operational standards. Ensures kitchen staff are prepared to consistently execute menus and recipes in accordance with established quality standards.
  • Responsible for planning daily production and work schedules for cooks and related production associates. Collaborates with Dining Services managers to forecast production needs and prepare for upcoming menus. Maintains all production records for the Unit. Supports food cost management by standardization of recipes, waste reduction. Inventory management, and appropriate utilization of product.
  • Evaluates menu items and recipes for production efficiency, food quality, taste, presentation, and customer response. Provides feedback on menu performance and participates in ongoing menu and recipe improvement in collaboration with Dining Services leadership and appropriate culinary partners. Coordinates effectively between back-of-house food production and front-of-house service to ensure a consistent and positive dining experience. Oversee food presentation, service line appearance and garnishing.
  • Responsible for all equipment in the kitchen. Assists with scheduling repairs and special cleaning projects. Trains all staff in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery. Provides safety training in lifting, carrying, chemical control, first aid, and fire prevention and extinguishing.
  • Responsible for the Pot sink area including staffing, cleanliness, and sanitation. Must provide assistance in dish room area as needed.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Coordinates special events with the Executive Chef and Special Events Manager. Must be available for special functions (catering) to assist in food production and service.
  • Orders small wares and supplies as needed. Responsible for providing cooks with proper tools to perform their job tasks.
  • Perform other duties and assist with projects assigned including opening and/or closing of unit.
Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Bachelor’s degree, culinary degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Work Experience
  • 3 – 5 years minimum experience in food service, including supervisory experience.
  • Experience working in a high-volume food service operation, preferably in higher education, hospitality, or similar institutional dining experience preferred.
Work Skills:
  • Demonstrates the ability to lead and collaborate with a diverse team.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and respond effectively to changing operational needs.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to food quality, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Specific Job Knowledge:
  • Must be Serve Safe certified.
  • Must have strong knowledge of food ordering, production, preparation techniques, and team supervision, with proven ability to delegate and manage tasks effectively while maintaining a consistent commitment to quality.
Equipment Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment and maintenance requirements.
  • Knowledge of computers for performing daily routines.
  • Computer basics and software programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
Preferred Qualifications:
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Tools, machinery, and equipment used:
  • kitchen equipment
Environmental conditions:
  • Exposure to chemicals associated with food service industry
Physical requirements:
  • Standing for long periods of time, ability to lift a minimum
    of 30 pounds, requires bending, climbing, reaching, standing, walking,
    sitting, grasping, carrying, repetitive motions, visual acuity, hearing, good
    verbal skills and occasional exposure to extreme temperatures -10 degrees
    in the freezers and coolers
Special Message to Applicants:
Schedule during normal operating hours:

Sunday – Thursday 11:30am – 8:30pm
Special events and flexibility as needed
Posting Date:10/26/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
The approved range for this position is $59,800-66,900. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.”
Salary Grade:13
Job Classification:exempt
References Needed
References Needed
Minimum Number of References Needed3
Maximum Number of References Needed3
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
    • Indeed.com
    • Higheredjobs.com
    • LinkedIn
    • Glassdoor
    • Chronicle Vitae
    • Academic Keys
    • PA CareerLink/JobGateway
    • Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
    • Diversity Association/Publication Website
    • Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
    • Referred by a current employee
    • Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
    • Heard about it at a conference or career fair
    • Browsing the Villanova website
    • Cabrini University employee
    • Other
  2. * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.

    (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to complete your application:
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
  2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents

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    Job Location

    Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085, United States

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