Executive Chef/Culinary Director

Executive Chef / Culinary Director – Senior Living

Red Cedar Lodge | Lansing, Michigan

Are you a passionate culinary leader who believes dining should be one of the best parts of a resident’s day? Do you thrive in a hospitality-focused environment where creativity, leadership, and quality truly matter?

Red Cedar Lodge is seeking an Executive Chef / Culinary Director to lead and elevate the dining experience within our senior living community in Michigan.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary professional who takes pride in creating exceptional meals, building strong teams, and delivering a warm, welcoming dining atmosphere for residents and families alike.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Opportunity to lead and shape the culinary program
• Resident-focused environment where hospitality matters
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative culture
• Ability to bring creativity and fresh ideas to menus and dining experiences
• Meaningful role making a daily impact in the lives of seniors

Position Overview

The Executive Chef / Culinary Director oversees all culinary operations within the community, including menu planning, food quality, staffing, budgeting, sanitation, and resident satisfaction.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong kitchen presence, team development, and a commitment to excellence in both food and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary and dining operations
• Ensure high-quality meal preparation, presentation, and service
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining budget goals
• Oversee kitchen sanitation, food safety compliance, and regulatory standards
• Create and execute seasonal menus and specials
• Train, mentor, and develop culinary team members
• Maintain staffing schedules and support team accountability
• Engage with residents to ensure satisfaction and accommodate dietary needs
• Collaborate with community leadership to enhance the resident experience

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of culinary experience required
• Previous leadership or kitchen management experience preferred
• Experience in senior living, hospitality, healthcare, or restaurant operations strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations
• Passion for hospitality and resident satisfaction
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and organizational skills
• Culinary degree or certification preferred, but not required

Ready to Apply?

If you’re a culinary leader looking for an opportunity to combine creativity, hospitality, and purpose—we’d love to connect with you.

Apply today by sending your resume to Alexis Basler at View email address on click.appcast.io