Executive Chef I

About the role

The Executive Chef is responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of all culinary functions, including production kitchens, retail, and catering operations, ensuring full compliance with all Department of Public Health (DPH) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center (HRC), Roslindale. As a key member of the Culinary and Nutrition Leadership Team, the Executive Chef works closely with the Director of Clinical Nutrition, Dietary Manager, and Assistant Director of Food Service to develop and implement policies, processes, and procedures aligned with the Diet Manual and in compliance with all federal, state, city, nutrition, and kosher regulations.

This role demonstrates a strong commitment to Hebrew SeniorLife’s mission and values, treating every interaction with residents, patients, and guests as an opportunity to provide a positive and meaningful dining experience while supporting dignity, choice, and excellence in care.

Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee all culinary operations, including labor and food cost control for assigned areas
• Coordinate with the Dietary Manager, Purchasing Managers, Executive Sous Chef, Chef Manager, and Country Kitchen Supervisors on vendor selection, procurement, inventory, and cost controls
• Collaborate with the Clinical Nutrition Team in recipe development, ensuring appropriateness related to ingredients, flavor, cost, and resident nutrition requirements
• Ensure all recipes in the Computrition database are accurate with respect to flavor profile, yield, portion size, nutritional value, and preparation procedures
• Plan and execute menus while maximizing product utilization and minimizing food waste across Café, Country Kitchen, and Catering operations, considering volume projections and menu popularity
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef at HRC-Newbridge to complete sanitation training, in-services, and ensure alignment with CMS protocols

Team Development

• Develop and implement onboarding and orientation programs for newly hired chefs, cooks, culinary associates, and utility staff
• Oversee ongoing staff training, coaching, and performance development to ensure consistent application of standards, policies, and protocols
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture that supports engagement, diversity, and teamwork
• Organize employee engagement initiatives and recognition programs to support morale and retention
• Collaborate with Human Resources to maintain appropriate staffing levels, update employee records, and support performance evaluation and development processes

Regulatory Oversight

• Implement and enforce organizational safety standards in accordance with OSHA requirements
• Maintain and update emergency food and supply inventory in compliance with CMS guidelines
• Collaborate with Engineering and approved vendors to support safe kitchen equipment operation and ongoing maintenance
• Develop, organize, and maintain a comprehensive sanitation and food safety program for HRC Roslindale in compliance with CMS, DPH, and Infection Control standards
• Establish, implement, and support ServSafe® Manager and Food Handler certification programs for managers, supervisors, and staff
• Conduct and maintain monthly education and in-service training programs related to sanitation and safe food handling practices in accordance with HSL policies

Inter-Departmental Relationship

• Provide culinary operational support to other HSL campuses as needed
• Work in partnership with the Mashgiach to ensure proper handling and procurement of kosher foods
• Interact with residents, patients, staff, and guests to promote satisfaction and responsiveness
• Represent the organization in alignment with Hebrew SeniorLife’s cultural beliefs and values
• Participate in management and leadership activities representing HRC operations
• Promote employee engagement by gathering and acting upon staff feedback
• Maintain a professional appearance in accordance with HRC standards and perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts or Food Service Management from an accredited four-year institution (or equivalent experience)
• Three (3) to five (5) years of culinary management experience in healthcare, contract food service, fine dining, or restaurant environments
• Demonstrated experience in purchasing, inventory control, and vendor management
• Strong skills in labor management, food cost control, and budget oversight
• Ability to effectively present information and communicate with staff, leadership, residents, and stakeholders
• Knowledge of current food and catering trends with a strong focus on quality, presentation, sanitation, and cost management
• Experience with P&L accountability and/or contract-managed food service preferred
• ServSafe® certification (or ability to obtain within designated timeframe)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant food service management systems

Qualifications

• Demonstrate commitment to Hebrew SeniorLife’s cultural beliefs and values
• Proven experience leading and developing a diverse workforce
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Ability to provide clear direction and hold team members accountable to established standards
• Exhibit strategic thinking and future-focused vision
• Experience in healthcare, senior living, or assisted living environments (preferred)

Skills

• Advanced culinary skills, including preparation techniques, flavor development, and best practices in production
• Ability to develop customized recipes aligned with patient needs and therapeutic diet requirements
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local food safety and sanitation regulations
• Strong ability to train, lead, direct, and supervise a diverse culinary workforce
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including motivation, delegation, and goal setting

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift, pull, and push 50 (fifty) pounds.

Pay

$60,528.00 - $108,950.00