Food Service Director - Highlands on the East Side

Providence, RI, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Health FSA

Dependent care FSA

short-term disability

long term disability

Life insurance

Home and auto discount program

Vendor discount program

401(k) with matching contribution

Accrued vacation

Sick

Personal time

Paid Holiday Benefit

Employee Referral Bonus

Resident referral bonus

Job Description

The Highlands on the East Side located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a distinguished senior living community dedicated to providing exceptional care and quality of life for its residents. Known for its warm and welcoming environment, The Highlands focuses on delivering personalized services that promote independence and well-being among elderly residents. As part of a trusted network of senior living facilities, The Highlands is committed to excellence in all aspects of care, including dining services, to ensure a supportive and enriching experience for its community members.

The Food Service Director/Executive Chef role at The Highlands on the East Side is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the entire Food Services Department. This full-time position involves managing quality standards, customer service, and productivity across all aspects of food service operations. The successful candidate will ensure that staffing levels and food supply inventories are maintained appropriately, operating effectively within budget guidelines. This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader who possesses comprehensive knowledge of productivity, cost and budget management, energy conservation, purchasing, receiving, storing systems, preparation and serving techniques, and controls such as pilferage and portion control. Personnel development and kitchen sanitation are also critical areas of responsibility.

As Food Service Director/Executive Chef, the professional will collaborate closely with executive leadership and resident care staff to ensure compliance with dietary requirements and restrictions. They will develop and implement staff training programs, coordinate workflows, and ensure smooth collaboration between departments. This role also includes ordering and purchasing food and supplies, inventory management, recipe creation and maintenance, meal delivery oversight, and event planning assistance. Given the senior living environment, an important part of the role is to regularly gather resident feedback on meals and adjust offerings to meet preferences while minimizing waste.

This position offers a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, vision coverage, various flexible spending accounts, short- and long-term disability options, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. Additional perks include home and auto discounts, vendor discount programs, accrued vacation and personal time, paid holidays, and employee and resident referral bonuses.

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned food service professional who is passionate about leadership in a healthcare or hospitality setting and committed to enhancing the quality of life for seniors through exceptional dining experiences. The Food Service Director/Executive Chef will be instrumental in upholding the reputation of The Highlands by delivering outstanding food services in a caring and efficient manner, all while supporting operational excellence and fiscal responsibility.

Job Requirements

Must possess the RI Food Safety Manager’s License
High School Diploma or general education degree (GED)
Completion of Food Service Management coursework from a Culinary Arts College or School or equivalent training and experience acquired either through formal training or on-the-job training in appropriate techniques of resident care including nutritional monitoring and assessment, general nutrition, food production and service, sanitation, safety, and commercial kitchen and staff management
Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience as a Chef with supervisory work experience in a hospitality or healthcare environment
Serve Safe Certification
Physically able to move at least 50 lbs without assistance
Physically able to bend, reach, and work in small areas
Physically able to push and pull equipment and furnishings
Physically able to stand for long periods of time

Job Qualifications

Must possess the RI Food Safety Manager’s License
High School Diploma or general education degree (GED)
Completion of Food Service Management coursework from a Culinary Arts College or School or equivalent training and experience in resident care including nutritional monitoring and assessment, general nutrition, food production and service, sanitation, safety, and commercial kitchen and staff management
Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience as a Chef with supervisory work experience in a hospitality or healthcare environment
Serve Safe Certification

Job Duties

Plan, develop, organize and implement the Food Service department including hiring and terminating staff in conjunction with the Executive Director
Meet regularly with the Executive Director and Resident Care staff to assure compliance with resident dietary requirements and restrictions
Train staff and monitor or promote independent programs for staff training
Coordinate and integrate the workflow of the Food Services department with other departments
Order and purchase food, supplies and equipment as needed
Inventory, weigh and check all incoming deliveries of food and supplies
Direct the proper storage of food and supplies and maintain an orderly inventory
Develop, test and maintain a database of standard recipes
Ensure the delivery of meals to the dining room at appropriate times
Assist in food preparation and cleaning duties
Plan and assist with special events including private dinners
Periodically conduct a resident response program seeking evaluations of meals
Evaluate food consumption and determine or minimize waste
Assist in the preparation of the annual Food Service budget and make efforts to operate within those guidelines