Executive Chef

Lakeland, FL, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

short-term disability

long-term disability

Life insurance

401K with employer matching

Paid holidays

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Experience Senior Living is a dedicated community of passionate professionals committed to enriching the lives of older adults by empowering them to live fully and joyfully. Our team is a dynamic mix of creators, architects, nurses, researchers, programmers, marketers, facilitators, developers, investors, and caregivers all united by a shared mission to make a positive impact on the residents, their families, and colleagues within our community. As a leader in senior living, our focus lies in delivering exceptional care experiences that foster health, happiness, and engagement for every resident. Our culture thrives on innovation, compassion, and teamwork, ensuring that every team member contributes meaningfully to creating a warm, welcoming environment for those we serve.

We are currently seeking a Director of Culinary Services or Executive Chef to join our exceptional team. This pivotal role is designed for a seasoned culinary professional who is passionate about creating extraordinary dining experiences in a senior living setting. The Director of Culinary Services will oversee all aspects of culinary operations with a strong emphasis on delivering quality, innovation, and satisfaction to our residents and guests. Leading a team of kitchen and dining professionals, this individual will blend culinary artistry with operational excellence to ensure that every meal served exceeds expectations while adhering to safety and health standards.

In this role, you will manage recruitment, scheduling, training, and performance reviews for culinary staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. You will regularly engage with residents and their families to gather feedback, tailor menu offerings to their preferences, and enhance the dining experience. A critical part of your responsibilities will be collaborating with front-of-house and back-of-house teams to maintain seamless operations and uphold fine dining standards. The position demands leadership skills to inspire and motivate team members, meticulous attention to detail for budget management, and creative vision to design menus and special culinary events that celebrate residents' tastes and preferences.

Beyond daily operations, the Director of Culinary Services will directly contribute to community marketing efforts by partnering with the sales and life enrichment teams to showcase culinary offerings through demos and special events. You will ensure all kitchen and dining areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and quality, while expertly managing inventory and vendor relationships to optimize purchasing and cost efficiency. This role also requires flexibility to work varied schedules including weekends, evenings, and holidays to support events and operations.

With at least five years of culinary experience in fine dining or hospitality, strong organizational skills, and the ability to foster positive relationships, this position offers a fulfilling opportunity to use your culinary expertise to enhance the well-being and joy of seniors in a vibrant community setting. Experience Senior Living provides a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer matching, paid holidays, and generous paid time off, reflecting our commitment to the health and happiness of our team members. Join us and bring your passion for culinary excellence to a role that truly makes a difference.

Job Requirements

Five or more years culinary experience in fine dining or hospitality industry
High school diploma or GED
Strong organization and time management skills
Able to resolve problems of dissatisfied customers and employees
Food handlers permit as required by state law and company standards
Basic computer skills - Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
Able to build positive and strong relationships with team members, coworkers and residents
Self-motivated and self-directed
Focused and dedicated to providing excellent customer service
Able to multitask
Ability to delegate and hold team members accountable efficiently and respectfully
Ability to work varied schedules to include weekends, evenings, and holidays

Job Qualifications

Five or more years culinary experience in fine dining or hospitality industry
High school diploma or GED
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to resolve customer and employee issues effectively
Food handler’s permit as required
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
Ability to build positive relationships
Self-motivated and customer service focused
Ability to multitask and delegate
Flexible availability including weekends, evenings, and holidays

Job Duties

Manage and supervise all culinary services team members including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review, hiring and corrective action
Meet regularly with residents and families to ensure high satisfaction
Collaborate with restaurant management to create fine dining experiences
Ensure front and back of house teams work together to exceed food quality expectations
Assist kitchen and restaurant teams in daily operations when needed
Work with leadership to achieve high customer satisfaction
Delegate tasks to maintain cleanliness and quality in kitchen and dining areas