Executive Chef

About The Role

At Palomino Gardens Retirement, we are seeking a purpose-driven Executive Chef to join our Independent Senior Living community, where you’ll lead a Culinary and Dining team dedicated to fresh, scratch-made meals and exceptional service. In this highly hands-on role, you will immerse yourself in the kitchen and dining room, stepping into any task needed from prep to planning, while also building genuine connections with the residents you serve.

As the Executive Chef, you will guide our Signature Freedom Dining program, a cornerstone of the Resort Lifestyle Communities experience. You’ll create a luxury resort–style dining experience through delicious meals, flexible dining options, and beautifully presented plates. Your leadership ensures residents enjoy an elevated, worry-free dining experience every day, which is one of the top reasons they love calling our community home.

Responsibilities

• Guide and immerse yourself in the daily culinary operations, ensuring high-quality, scratch-made meals with excellent presentation and proper temperatures.
• Lead by example in the kitchen while working hands-on, maintaining a clean, organized environment, and upholding all food safety, handling, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Train, coach, and develop the Culinary and Dining teams while partnering with the Dining Room Supervisor to deliver smooth, timely meal service.
• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, vendor relationships, and daily invoice entry using company tools and standards.
• Build strong relationships with residents by gathering feedback, hosting monthly Chef chats, and adapting menus to their preferences.
• Create and maintain weekly labor schedules and ensure team compliance with all uniform and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Proven leadership experience in culinary preparation, cooking, and supervising a team.
• Flexibility: Primary schedule is Sunday–Thursday, plus additional evening, weekend, and holiday support.
• High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree or related higher education preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills in English, a polished appearance, and a positive, service-minded attitude.
• Ability to handle resident feedback and concerns, responding politely, calmly, and professionally.
• ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days) and any required local food handler permits (within two weeks of hire).

Benefits

For Full-Time Employees:

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Access your pay anytime
• $341 benefit stipend per pay period to apply toward:
  • Health, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability
  • HSA, FSA, LSA
  • Accident & Hospital Indemnity
  • Legal & Identity Theft Protection
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with employer match

Schedule

Primary schedule is Sunday–Thursday, plus additional evening, weekend, and holiday support.