Executive Chef - Senior Living

About the role

An Executive Chef in senior living oversees all culinary operations for independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities.

Responsibilities

• Create rotating, seasonal menus for independent living (restaurant-style dining)
• Ensure all meals meet dietary guidelines, nutritional standards, and state regulatory requirements for senior care facilities
• Adapt dining environments and menus to support residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, utilizing visual cues, finger-food options, and adaptive dining equipment as needed
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor culinary and dining room staff
• Conduct regular culinary training and ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Lead regular food committees and resident council meetings to gather feedback
• Adjust menus and service styles to maximize resident satisfaction
• Manage food and supply costs within established budgetary parameters
• Oversee ordering, inventory control, and waste management
• Maintain the highest standards of kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and equipment maintenance in accordance with ServSafe and local health department codes

Requirements

• 3–5 years of culinary management experience, preferably in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare
• Culinary degree from an accredited institution (e.g., ACF certified) or equivalent extensive experience
• ServSafe Manager certification required
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) highly preferred
• Deep understanding of therapeutic diets (diabetic, low-sodium, renal, dysphagia/pureed)
• Proficient knife skills, large-batch cooking, recipe standardization, and menu planning
• High levels of patience and empathy (essential for memory care residents), strong organizational abilities, and adaptable communication skills
• Food safety certification and Food Handler State Card required

Qualifications

• A genuine desire to improve the quality of life for seniors
• Create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environment
• Maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment