Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef

About the role

True Connection Communities (TCC) is a rapidly growing Senior Housing platform focused on the Active Adult and Independent Living segments. At TCC, every day is an opportunity for team members to make lasting connections with each other, residents, and residents’ families in a profound and personal way. The Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef enriches lives through the power of amazing, made-from-scratch food, ensuring every plate is aesthetically pleasing and nutritionally sound using the freshest ingredients. This role oversees all food and beverage operations within the communities, including vendor management, compliance with state and federal regulations, scheduling, training, and employee development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the hiring, training, and managing of all associates for the kitchen, dining areas, and catering/delivery services.
• Motivate, discipline, train, and evaluate all department associates.
• Schedule team members in accordance with budget while maintaining adequate staffing levels.
• Collaborate with kitchen and restaurant staff to provide a hospitable dining experience for residents.
• Develop and maintain pleasing and nutritious menus, incorporating resident preferences through surveys and ongoing feedback.
• Assist the Executive Director in developing department budgets, including food, supply purchasing, labor expenditures, and capital needs.
• Place and/or approve orders from food and dining supply vendors, ensuring proper inventory levels to meet demand while minimizing cost and waste.
• Monitor budget compliance and adjust as needed to maintain operational quality and resident satisfaction.
• Improve the décor, ambiance, and condition of restaurants to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen and restaurant environment, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies.
• Ensure supervisors and associates adhere to local health department codes and company standards for safety and sanitation.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and other department heads to create a positive, hospitality-oriented atmosphere.
• Provide exceptional customer service to residents and visitors, maintaining professionalism in all situations.
• Foster a sales-oriented culture by participating in and contributing to community sales and marketing efforts, including assisting at events.
• Train, coach, reward, and discipline subordinates in a timely manner.
• Complete all departmental-related reports accurately and on time.
• Attend and actively contribute to daily Stand-Up Meetings, company-hosted webinars, on-site meetings, regional meetings, and national meetings.
• Complete all required trainings to maintain appropriate certifications and credentials.
• Meet with all new residents within the timeframe set by the Executive Director.
• Participate in the Manager-on-Duty program, including covering weekends on a rotating basis.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Culinary degree preferred; 10+ years of Chef experience considered in absence of a degree.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in food production/management, including 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Experience managing food inventories and budgets for operations providing up to 3 meals a day, 7 days a week.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations regarding food safety and handling.
• Manager’s ServSafe® certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• COVID-19 vaccination (or process initiated before start date, completed within 60 days) or approved reasonable accommodation.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and automobile insurance.
• Flexible hours, including availability Monday–Sunday, with shifts starting as early as 7 AM and ending as late as 7 PM.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid Parental Leave, Short-term & Long-term Disability.
• Industry-leading Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid Holidays.
• 401k program with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Bonus program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee/Resident Referral Bonuses.

Working Conditions

This position works in a fast-paced kitchen with exposure to heat, flames, cold temperatures, slippery floors, and sharp cooking tools. Must be present for each meal period during the workweek and may work in close contact with others. Compliance with food safety regulations is required, including wearing appropriate clothing and protective gear such as hairnets, masks, disposable gloves, and slip-resistant shoes.