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Executive Chef

Date:  Jan 26, 2026
Location: 

Omaha, NE, US, 68000

 Reference Number:  4091 
Department: Executive 
Closing Date:  02/15/2026
Job Level: 22
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000.  

 

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure accurate and updated information is provided when applying for this position. Be sure to add/modify your work history prior to submitting your application.

Description

Union Pacific Railroad has a rare opportunity for a chef who craves creativity, autonomy, and adventure. Serving as the lead culinary professional for Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet passenger railcars and select headquarters events, you will plan, prepare, and execute all culinary operations while traveling the country by train. From concept through execution, you’ll create individualized menus for each event—drawing inspiration from seasonality, regional sourcing opportunities across the system, and current food trends. This role supports executive leadership, the Board of Directors, Union Pacific’s most valued customers, and our internal teams, delivering exceptional dining experiences in both mobile (onboard train) and fixed-location settings. The position requires extended travel and onboard living, with full ownership of menu development, sourcing, logistics, and kitchen operations

 

Individuals hired to work in this position will be expected to work evening, nights and weekends and travel up to 50% of the time.

Accountabilities

  • Prepare and execute plated meals, appetizer receptions, and buffets aboard Heritage Fleet railcars and at headquarters
  • Cook daily meals for onboard crew during travel and event operations
  • Develop menus for events and trips, adjusting based on operational needs and feedback relayed through internal coordinators
  • Source, purchase, and manage all food and culinary supplies
  • Load all food, beverage, and kitchen supplies onto the train prior to trips and remove all product at trip completion
  • Manage inventory levels throughout trips to ensure smooth service and minimal waste
  • Operate efficiently in a mobile, space-limited kitchen environment while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Plan food service around train schedules, travel days, and event timelines
  • Adapt menus and execution based on storage capacity, equipment, and ingredient availability
  • Maintain readiness of all kitchen equipment and service areas
  • Support events ranging from small executive meals to larger hosted functions
  • Maintain clean, organized, and food-safe storage areas for all products and equipment
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and discretion while supporting executive and VIP groups
  • Work independently with minimal supervision during extended trips
  • Stay flexible and solution-oriented when plans change due to travel or scheduling needs

Qualifications - Required

  • 5 or more years of experience working in culinary services
  • Strong skills in menu planning, purchasing, and inventory management
  • Comfortable working long hours and living onboard a train for extended periods (often for approximately 100+ day a year and sometimes 2+ weeks at a time)
  • Highly organized, adaptable, and able to work effectively in confined or mobile spaces
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation best practices

 

Qualifications - Preferred

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

  • Physical demands consistent with professional kitchen work

Work Conditions

  • Extended travel with onboard living accommodations
  • Variable hours including evening, weekends, and holidays

What we offer:

  • A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
  • Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
  • 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%, plus additional automatic 3% (contribute 6% and UP will contribute 9% [6% + 3%])
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid disability, life, and AD&D insurance
  • Health Savings Account (with company contribution) Dependent Care Savings Account and Transportation Spending Account
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs
  • Adoption/Surrogacy Assistance, paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • Competitive compensation including eligibility for annual merit, bonus, and equity programs dependent on job level and personal and company performance

 

Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.

 

The final salary of the selected candidate for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialty and training. This position also includes additional compensation and benefits offered by Union Pacific.

 

This position is eligible for participation in the Union Pacific Annual Compensation Program. This is a pay-for-performance program which administers annual salary adjustments, cash incentive bonuses and stock equity as determined by individual performance, company performance and program guidelines. Additionally, this position is eligible for health and welfare benefits, retirement, financial planning benefits and paid and unpaid leave. For more information regarding Union Pacific’s nonagreement employee benefits, please visit our management benefits page.

 

Culture

Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.

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