Executive Chef

About the Role

The Executive Chef is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of the culinary operations throughout the community. This role oversees menu development, food quality, kitchen operations, staff leadership, budgeting, and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of hospitality, creativity, and excellence. The ideal candidate combines strong culinary expertise with exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding resident experiences. This role reports to the Campus Culinary Services Director, working in partnership to elevate the overall dining experience at The Commons.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership
  • Develop and execute innovative, seasonally inspired menus featuring fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
  • Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, flavor, and consistency.
  • Create diverse dining options that accommodate a wide range of tastes, preferences, and dietary needs across all care levels on campus.
  • Lead special events, holiday celebrations, chef's tables, wine dinners, and other culinary experiences that highlight the diverse cultures and backgrounds within our community.
• Team Management
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff.
  • Foster a collaborative, professional, and service-oriented culture.
  • Schedule and manage culinary team members to ensure efficient operations.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and support employee growth and development.
• Operational Excellence
  • Oversee food production and kitchen operations.
  • Manage food and labor costs while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
  • Monitor inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships, and product sourcing.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Resident Experience
  • Engage with residents to understand preferences and gather feedback.
  • Collaborate with community leadership to continuously enhance dining services.
  • Create welcoming, restaurant-quality dining experiences that exceed expectations.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of food production, menu development, purchasing, and cost control.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing culinary teams.
• Current ServSafe certificate or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, fine dining, luxury senior living, country clubs, hotels, or upscale restaurants.
• Knowledge of nutrition and specialized dietary accommodations.
• Passion for farm-to-table cuisine and local sourcing.
• Experience managing multiple dining venues or service styles.

Schedule

Preferred hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Benefits

• 8 holidays & 3 floating holidays
• Discounted Meal Program
• Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms
• Associate Referral Bonus Program
• Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match*
• Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits*
• Tuition Reimbursement Program*
• Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off*

*Eligibility may vary by employment status

About The Commons in Lincoln

The Commons in Lincoln, a premier community within Benchmark, is known for providing a thoughtfully personalized lifestyle centered on wellness, engagement, and hospitality. Our dining program showcases gourmet cuisine, fresh local ingredients, and varied dining experiences that redefine what senior living can be. We believe every meal should be an occasion, and we're looking for an Executive Chef who shares that vision.