Executive Chef

Overview

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 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.

• 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

• 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

• Physical demands consistent with professional kitchen work

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

• 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.

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