Executive Chef

Position Summary

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading and elevating all culinary operations across Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community. This position provides strategic leadership over dining services, oversees food quality and dining services, develops innovative menus, and fosters a culture of hospitality that enhances the resident experience. The Executive Chef partners with department leaders to ensure exceptional dining experiences for residents, families, guests, and team members while maintaining high standards for food safety, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations with a focus on excellence, innovation, and resident satisfaction.
• Develop and implement menus that reflect resident preferences, nutritional needs, and current culinary trends.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, flavor, presentation, and portion control across all dining venues.
• Evaluate and continuously improve recipes, production methods, and menu offerings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to accommodate therapeutic diets, allergies, and special nutritional needs.
• Promote a culture of creativity while maintaining consistency and quality standards.
• Establish and maintain exceptional service standards throughout all dining areas.
• Lead and support the implementation of table-side service and other resident-centered dining initiatives.
• Regularly engage with residents and families to gather feedback and improve dining experiences.
• Work collaboratively with Life Enrichment and other departments to create meaningful dining events and celebrations.
• Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory management to ensure product quality and cost efficiency.
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining exceptional quality and service.
• Develop and maintain production systems that improve efficiency and consistency.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and CMS regulations related to food service, sanitation, and safety.
• Maintain all required documentation, food safety records, and quality assurance processes.
• Monitor equipment needs and coordinate preventative maintenance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop culinary team members.
• Coach and mentor staff to build future culinary leaders within Sunshine Meadows.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and accountability.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful team culture.
• Create standardized recipes, procedures, and training materials to ensure consistency across all culinary operations.
• Promote continuous learning, professional development, and employee engagement.

Organizational Support

Collaborate with executive leadership to develop new dining concepts, improve operational efficiencies, and support the continued growth of Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community. 

Provide support for but not limited to: 

• Selah
• Sunny’s Cafe
• Catering Events
• STAY member events
• Additional organizational initiatives as assigned

Qualifications

• Three or more years of progressive culinary leadership experience, hospitality, or multi-unit food service.
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and dietary requirements.
• Experience managing budgets, purchasing, labor, and food costs.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, organizational, and communication skills.
• Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional dining experiences.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and food service management software preferred.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and work in both hot and cold kitchen environments.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.

At Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, we believe dining is more than a meal—it is an experience that brings comfort, connection, and joy. The Executive Chef plays a vital role in creating exceptional culinary experiences that enrich the lives of our residents while supporting our mission of providing compassionate, person-centered care and hospitality every day.