Executive Chef

Splendido is an award-winning luxury Life Plan Community located in Oro Valley, Arizona, designed for individuals aged 55 and better who seek a vibrant and active lifestyle in a resort-like setting. The community boasts an impressive array of amenities, including 293 Terrace and Villa Homes, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services. Residents enjoy multiple dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an art studio, a putting green, and many other recreational and wellness options. This environment is enriched by the presence of dedicated team members focused on creating enriching daily opportunities and maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere where residents thrive. Splendido is a part of Mather, a parent non-profit organization based in Evanston, Illinois, known for pioneering innovative Ways to Age WellSM programs since its founding in 1941. Mather has been nationally recognized as a Great Place to Work® and honored as one of the Nation's Best and Brightest in Wellness for four consecutive years. The organization prides itself on fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity in the workplace, championing diversity and ensuring a supportive culture for employees and residents alike.

This role as Executive Chef at Splendido offers a unique leadership opportunity within a multi-venue culinary program that caters to an upscale community's diverse dining needs. It is a full-time, on-site position that requires a hands-on, creative leader who is passionate about culinary excellence and dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. The Executive Chef will oversee culinary operations across multiple restaurants and catering services, emphasizing a scratch-cooking philosophy that prioritizes quality, freshness, and creativity. As the culinary leader, you will have the responsibility to design globally inspired menus for various dining venues, including healthcare and catering aspects, ensuring that all offerings are visually appealing, nutritionally balanced, and aligned with contemporary culinary trends.

The role also involves close collaboration with the pastry chef to perfect desserts, breads, and pastries suited to each venue, while maintaining compliance with all health and safety standards such as HACCP, CMS, Health Department regulations, and Ecosure sanitation requirements. The Executive Chef will champion sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally and managing food costs effectively, supported by maintaining comprehensive electronic recipe and inventory databases. Training and mentoring the culinary team through platforms like LobsterInk, 360 Training, and Relias are key aspects of fostering professional growth and operational excellence.

Moreover, this position demands active engagement with residents, promoting positive dining experiences through meaningful interpersonal interactions and responsiveness to feedback. The Executive Chef will manage schedules, staffing, performance documentation, and maintain cleanliness and equipment standards, ensuring smooth daily operations. Financial stewardship and budget management, along with contributing to annual capital equipment planning, are essential to sustaining high standards and organizational goals. Leading quality assurance initiatives and continuous improvement programs further enhances the culinary department's impact.

The ideal candidate will bring at least seven years of progressive supervisory experience in a demanding, multi-venue kitchen environment, preferably with a Culinary Arts degree or professional certification such as CEC or CIA ProChef 3. Strong leadership, communication, multitasking abilities, and proficiency with relevant computer systems and software are critical for success. Current sanitation certifications are mandatory. This position not only offers the chance to lead in a dynamic and sophisticated culinary setting but to contribute meaningfully to the enriching lifestyles of older adults in a respected community recognized for excellence in aging and wellness.