Executive Chef - Senior Living - IL

Provincial Senior Living is a distinguished leader in lifestyle-driven Independent Living communities across the United States, dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and their families. With a portfolio that encompasses over 13,000 units, Provincial Senior Living operates with a steadfast commitment to excellence derived from its foundational Pillars of Excellence. These pillars emphasize personalized care, exceptional hospitality, and fostering lasting connections within each community. Known as one of the largest senior living families in the U.S., Provincial communities have consistently earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022 through 2026, reflecting their dedication to a positive workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Provincial Senior Living is more than just a place to work—it is a vibrant community where purpose and culture intertwine, creating meaningful work opportunities and extraordinary career pathways for all team members. The organization invests heavily in learning and professional development programs, empowering team members to grow their skills and build fulfilling, purpose-rich careers within the senior living industry.

The role of Director of Culinary Services is a significant leadership position within Provincial Senior Living’s Independent Living communities. This role is responsible for overseeing all kitchen and dining operations, ensuring that the culinary offerings meet high standards of quality, nutrition, and resident satisfaction. The Director of Culinary Services will lead food service management, budget oversight, regulatory compliance, and team supervision, all while creating an exceptional dining experience that nourishes both body and spirit.

In this role, the Director of Culinary Services manages daily food service operations tailored specifically to the unique dietary needs and preferences of senior residents. The individual will plan menus that reflect these considerations alongside nutrition guidance, ensuring compliance with physician-ordered diets and special requirements. The role demands meticulous attention to food quality—from presentation and portion control to temperature management—to guarantee a superb dining experience.

Operational responsibilities include maintaining standardized recipes, conducting rigorous product testing, ordering supplies, and managing vendor relationships. The Director will also perform monthly food inventory checks and exercise stringent food cost controls vital for budget adherence. Regulatory compliance is a key focus, requiring the Director to uphold sanitation, infection control, and safe food handling practices, as well as maintain ServSafe or an equivalent food safety certification.

Financial stewardship under this position involves developing and managing the department’s budget, monitoring expenditures, and implementing cost-control measures to maintain financial health without compromising quality. Leadership and team development are equally critical, as the Director will hire, train, and schedule kitchen and dining staff, fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment that supports staff growth through effective coaching and performance management.

Resident engagement is at the heart of this position, with the Director expected to interact regularly with residents during meals, addressing any concerns swiftly and professionally to maintain a hospitality-driven dining atmosphere. Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director and other department heads, this role forms a centerpiece of community life and operational excellence.

Joining Provincial Senior Living as a Director of Culinary Services offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and meaningful career growth opportunities. It is a chance to make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of seniors, joining a supportive leadership environment within a company known for its outstanding reputation and commitment to both residents and team members.