Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

About Discovery Management Group

Discovery Management Group leads one of the nation’s most purpose-driven and people-centered senior living organizations, managing and enhancing senior living communities across the United States. With a focus on operational excellence, lifestyle personalization, and culture-driven leadership, we proudly serve residents and families with more than 15,000 units nationwide and growing.

As part of one of the largest senior living families in the U.S., our communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2026. At Discovery Management Group, purpose guides our work, culture fuels our success, and growth defines our future. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members’ professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

Discover Your Purpose with Us at [COMMUNITY]!

As Executive Chef , you’ll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day.

Your Role:

As the Executive Chef , your role includes leading all culinary operations while remaining hands-on in the kitchen. You’ll combine creativity, leadership, and excellence in execution to deliver outstanding dining experiences for residents and guests. This role is responsible for menu planning, food preparation, sanitation, inventory, vendor management, and staff development—all while modeling a service-driven, hospitality-focused culture.

Position Highlights:

• Status: [FULL TIME / PART TIME / PRN / ETC.]
• Schedule: [ENTER SCHEDULE, INCLUDING WEEKENDS IF APPLICABLE, MOD, SHIFT, ON CALL]
• Location: [COMMUNITY ADDRESS]
• Rate of Pay: [HOURLY OR SALARY RATE OF PAY]
• Travel: [PERCENTAGE, REGION, ETC.]

Why You'll Love This Community:

[FOR COMMUNITY BASED POSITIONS, INCLUDE SELLING POINTS FOR THIS COMMUNITY.]

What You’ll Do:

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations while actively participating in meal preparation and service
• Develop and execute diverse, high-quality menus that reflect resident preferences, cultural influences, and nutritional needs
• Plan and manage special events, banquets, and themed meals in coordination with community leadership and the activities team
• Mentor, train, and schedule the culinary team, ensuring accountability, safety, and service excellence
• Maintain the highest standards of sanitation and food safety; conduct regular inspections and audits for compliance
• Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and food cost controls within budget targets
• Oversee preventive maintenance and proper care of kitchen equipment
• Collaborate with Front of House and hospitality teams to deliver seamless, memorable dining experiences
• Respond promptly to resident and family feedback to ensure satisfaction and continuous improvement
• Foster a positive, high-performing team environment rooted in service and culinary excellence

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of culinary leadership experience in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships)
• Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking, presentation, and plating standards
• ServSafe or Food Safety Certification required
• Strong knowledge of sanitation practices, food safety regulations, and proper equipment use
• Proven ability in menu development, cost control, vendor management, and inventory systems
• Experience managing special events, banquets, and/or catering
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus when paired with demonstrated high service standards
• [Insert if applicable: Participation in rotating on-call schedule or Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities required]

Why Join Us

Discovery Senior Living Earned Coveted Great Place to Work Certification for 2025-2026!

A large part of what makes Discovery different from other companies in this industry is our willingness to embrace change. At Discovery Senior Living, we are constantly challenging how we are doing things to ensure the lifestyle we are offering our residents is absolutely the greatest value proposition in the marketplace. It’s just as important to us that the environment and culture for our team members are constantly refreshed. In addition, embracing and even encouraging change brings a never-ending supply of new energy to our business and our culture. That energy translates to other far-reaching positive impacts on our residents as well as our team members.

Find out what makes working at Discovery unique in the world of senior living. Discover Your Purpose!

Our Culture & Values

So often, what brings people together is deeply rooted in who we are and what we stand for. And at Discovery Senior Living, we’re unified by certain, core values, which we call our “Pillars of Excellence.” They make up the fabric of our company, and include TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPASSION, HARD WORK and CREATIVITY.

Individually, they are our virtues, and together, they make up a roadmap which helps us foster innovation and success.

Benefits You’ll Enjoy

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay with early access to earned wages, flexible scheduling, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and growth opportunities, uniforms (where applicable), and additional perks such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), volunteer time off, and wellness-related benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V

A Note to Applicants

This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Please refrain from contacting hiring managers directly.

Employment Scam Warning

We only post jobs on our official careers site and accept applications through that platform. We do not conduct interviews via text or social media or ask for personal or banking information.

Regulatory Compliance & Background Screening

Discovery Senior Living complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory requirements governing hiring practices, background screening, and workforce eligibility. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of state-mandated and/or federally required background screenings, which may include criminal history checks, fingerprint-based screening, Level 2 background screening, registry verification, and other screenings required for healthcare and senior living roles with direct or indirect resident access.

Certain positions may be subject to additional requirements under federal programs, including CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid regulations, as well as state-specific licensing or regulatory agencies. Screening requirements vary by role and jurisdiction, and candidates must meet all applicable standards as a condition of employment. These measures support regulatory compliance and help maintain a safe, secure environment for residents, families, and team members.

Employment in Florida is contingent upon completion of a Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida AHCA requirements. Applicants will be required to complete fingerprinting and background screening through the AHCA Clearinghouse. For more information, please visit: