Executive Chef

Santa Rosa, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $90,000.00 - $95,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holidays

paid bereavement

Paid jury duty

Complimentary Meals

Opportunities for career advancement

Extensive employer provided training

Job Description

Gallaher Signature Living is a pioneering residential community operator specializing in senior living solutions that promote dignity, engagement, and quality of life. With locations in Santa Rosa, Alameda, Moorpark, and Covina, California, Gallaher Signature Living has established itself as a leader in providing Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services tailored to meet the diverse needs of active adults and seniors. The company’s mission centers on redefining what it means to age well by blending compassionate care with elegant living environments, creating spaces where residents feel valued, connected, and empowered to enjoy meaningful daily experiences. Gallaher Signature Living’s legacy is rooted in a deep commitment to excellence, ensuring that every community not only meets but exceeds expectations through personalized service and innovative programs. They are supported by a forward-thinking corporate office based in Windsor, California, delivering robust training and career development opportunities to a dedicated team of professionals.

The Executive Chef role at Gallaher Signature Living is a critical leadership position that combines culinary artistry with strategic operational management. As the culinary steward of the community, the Executive Chef is entrusted with creating and delivering a sophisticated dining experience that prioritizes resident satisfaction, compliance, and culinary innovation. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $90,000 to $95,000 annually, with a work schedule from Sunday to Thursday. The Executive Chef leads all culinary operations, overseeing menu development, food preparation, staff supervision, budgeting, and adherence to food safety regulations, including Title 22 standards and local health department requirements. In collaboration with the Culinary Director and community leadership, the Executive Chef ensures that all meals are not only nutritionally balanced and diverse but also crafted to reflect the culinary trends and preferences of an upscale active adult community.

This role demands a creative yet disciplined leader who balances innovation with consistency and fiscal responsibility. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-volume, luxury hospitality or senior living environment and is adept at managing both the kitchen team and operational finances. Key responsibilities include designing and refining seasonal menus and resident-informed cuisine, managing food and labor costs, maintaining vendor relationships, and leading recruitment, training, and performance management efforts for kitchen staff. Additionally, the Executive Chef fosters a professional and collaborative kitchen culture focused on mentorship and continuous improvement. By ensuring full compliance with all regulatory standards and company policies, they contribute directly to the overall well-being and satisfaction of residents, enhancing the community’s reputation for elevated hospitality. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the culinary landscape of senior living, combining passion for food with commitment to operational excellence.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, full-service environment
fine-dining, luxury hospitality, or senior living experience strongly preferred
demonstrated expertise in culinary technique, kitchen operations, and team leadership
proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor controls, food cost management, inventory oversight, and budgeting
working knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements
Title 22 experience preferred
ability to successfully pass all required physical examinations, background checks, and clearances in accordance with DSS licensing requirements
proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and professional email communication

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, full-service environment
expertise in culinary technique, kitchen operations, and team leadership
proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor controls, food cost management, inventory oversight, and budgeting
working knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements
proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and professional email communication

Job Duties

Design, execute, and continuously refine seasonal menus, daily specials, and resident-informed offerings that reflect nutritional balance, variety, and culinary excellence
ensure menus meet the dietary needs and preferences of residents while complying with all applicable Title 22 and food service regulations
maintain awareness of culinary trends, techniques, and best practices appropriate for a luxury active adult dining environment
oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent execution, portion control, and presentation standards
manage food and labor budgets in alignment with company benchmarks
monitor costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste reduction strategies
establish and maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness
partner with the Culinary Director on daily operations as well as monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning
lead all BOH staffing functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management
foster a professional, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and continuous improvement
ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet operational needs while maintaining compliance with labor regulations
ensure full compliance with Title 22 regulations, local health department standards, and Gallaher Signature Living policies
maintain proper food handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation practices at all times
conduct regular line checks, kitchen inspections, and documentation reviews to ensure readiness for inspections and audits
collaborate with community leadership to support regulatory surveys, corrective actions, and ongoing compliance initiatives
other duties as assigned