Area Executive Chef

Description The Area Executive Chef is a regional culinary leadership role responsible for overseeing food and beverage operations across multiple senior living communities within the Charlotte, North Carolina market. This position is a key component of Cogir’s Collective Culinary Leadership Model, designed to elevate dining quality, improve operational efficiency, and standardize culinary execution across communities. The Area Executive Chef will provide hands-on leadership, direct operational support, and full accountability for culinary performance across all assigned communities. Requirements Culinary Leadership & Standards Provide regional oversight of all culinary operations across assigned communitiesEnsure consistent execution of menus, recipes, and presentation standardsLead implementation of standardized culinary programs and seasonal menu cyclesMaintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentationEnsure all communities align with company culinary vision and brand standards Direct Operational Oversight (Hands-On Leadership) Conduct weekly on-site visits to each assigned communityWork directly alongside kitchen teams on:day-to-day operationsproduction executionservice flowplating and presentationProvide real-time coaching and corrective action as neededIdentify operational gaps and implement immediate solutions This role is expected to be highly visible and operationally engaged, not remote or advisory. Full Responsibility for PRD & Menu Execution Maintain full ownership and accountability of food cost (PRD) performance across all assigned communitiesMonitor and manage:purchasing practicesinventory controlswaste reduction initiativesEnsure accurate and consistent execution of approved menu cyclesAdjust menus and production practices as needed to meet budget and operational goalsPartner with procurement and vendor teams to optimize product utilization F&B Program Ownership Oversee and ensure execution of all Food & Beverage programs, including:daily dining servicesspecial events and holiday programmingresident engagement initiativessignature menu offeringsSupport rollout and execution of new culinary initiatives and partnershipsEnsure consistency of dining experience across all communities Operational Excellence Drive efficiency through batch cooking, proper equipment utilization, and workflow optimizationTrain and mentor Chef Managers and culinary teamstation, and execution standards Training & Development Train and mentor Chef Managers, and culinary teamsProvide ongoing coaching through weekly in-community engagementSupport onboarding and development of new culinary leadersFacilitate adoption of:standardized recipescooking programskitchen technology systems Food Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and company standardsMaintain audit readiness across all communitiesReinforce HACCP protocols and documentation standards Technology & Systems Integration Monitor equipment usage, compliance, and performance across communitiesLeverage operational data to improve efficiency and outcomes Community Engagement Partner closely with Executive Directors and community leadership teamsParticipate in resident engagement and special dining eventsMaintain a strong, visible presence within each communitySupport a hospitality-driven dining culture Staffing & Operational Support Provide hands-on support during staffing shortages, transitions, and openingsAssist with recruiting, interviewing, and developing culinary team membersSupport labor planning and staffing structure optimization across communities