Executive Chef

Description Executive Chef The Whitford in Dublin, California Full-Time Expected Start Date: July/August 2026 to support community opening preparations. Annual Salary: Starting at $90,000 based on experience and qualifications. Lead the Culinary Vision at The Whitford The Whitford is a brand-new luxury Senior Living community opening in September 2026 in Dublin, California. Offering Assisted Living and Memory Care, The Whitford is designed to redefine senior living through exceptional hospitality, personalized care, and elevated dining experiences. Managed by Momentum Senior Living, The Whitford offers the unique opportunity to join a founding leadership team and create an extraordinary culinary program from the ground up. We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef who is passionate about hospitality, culinary innovation, and creating memorable dining experiences for seniors. Position Summary The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and operation of the community's culinary program. This includes menu development, food preparation, purchasing, inventory management, budgeting, staffing, food safety, and quality assurance for all dining venues and special events. The Executive Chef leads the culinary team in delivering restaurant-quality meals while maintaining exceptional standards for nutrition, presentation, sanitation, and customer satisfaction. This position partners closely with the Dining Services Manager, Registered Dietitian, and Executive Director to create an outstanding dining experience that enhances residents' quality of life. Essential Job Responsibilities Culinary Leadership Lead all day-to-day culinary operations for the community's dining venues, private dining, and special events. Develop creative, seasonal, and nutritionally balanced menus that meet the needs and preferences of Assisted Living and Memory Care residents. Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, flavor, consistency, and hospitality. Ensure meals are prepared and served according to established recipes, nutritional guidelines, and portion standards. Participate in food preparation and work the line as needed to support daily operations. Team Leadership & Development Recruit, hire, train, mentor, schedule, coach, and evaluate culinary team members. Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. Conduct orientation, ongoing training, and performance evaluations for kitchen staff. Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. Develop daily production schedules and work assignments to maximize efficiency and service quality. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal, and company food safety regulations. Maintain ServSafe standards and ensure all culinary staff are properly trained in sanitation, infection control, and food handling procedures. Oversee food production, storage, labeling, temperature monitoring, and service to ensure quality and safety. Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout all kitchen, storage, and food preparation areas. Ensure readiness for all health department and regulatory inspections. Financial & Operational Management Manage the culinary department budget while maintaining exceptional quality and controlling food and labor costs. Oversee purchasing, vendor selection, contract management, and supplier relationships. Maintain inventory controls, establish par levels, and minimize food waste. Develop standardized recipes, production sheets, and menu specifications. Monitor operating expenses and implement cost-control initiatives without compromising quality. Inspect kitchen equipment regularly and coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance. Resident Experience Create exceptional dining experiences that exceed resident and family expectations. Collaborate with the Dining Services Manager and leadership team on special events, holiday meals, themed dining experiences, and community celebrations. Build relationships with residents by incorporating their feedback and preferences into menus and dining experiences. Support a hospitality-focused culture where every meal is an opportunity to create connection and joy. Requirements Minimum of five (5) years of experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef in a luxury senior living community, hotel, country club, fine dining restaurant, resort, or similar hospitality environment. Proven leadership experience managing high-performing culinary teams. Culinary degree or certificate from an accredited culinary institute preferred. Additional coursework or education in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management, or Nutrition is a plus. Current ServSafe Certification required. Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, menu planning, purchasing, inventory management, and cost controls. Excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong mathematical skills, including recipe conversions, food costing, and inventory management. Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional dining experiences. Physical Requirements Manual dexterity required for food preparation and operation of commercial kitchen equipment. Ability to stand and walk for up to 85% of the workday. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, and move throughout the kitchen. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently. Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including mixers, ovens, steamers, broilers, tilt skillets, food processors, microwaves, soup kettles, and kitchen knives. Ability to work in environments with exposure to heat, cold, cleaning chemicals, kitchen equipment, and food preparation hazards. Ability to communicate effectively with residents, guests, vendors, and team members. Why Join The Whitford? Opening a new community is a rare opportunity to create a culinary program from the very beginning. As the founding Executive Chef, you'll have the opportunity to shape every aspect of the dining experience—from menu development and kitchen culture to resident engagement and culinary innovation. Momentum Senior Living is committed to supporting its leaders with collaborative leadership, professional development, and opportunities for long-term career growth. We Offer Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits Paid time off and paid holidays Leadership development and continuing education opportunities Career advancement within a growing senior living organization Supportive and collaborative leadership The opportunity to build a premier luxury senior living culinary program from the ground up A rewarding career enhancing the lives of seniors through exceptional hospitality and dining If you are an innovative culinary leader who believes every meal should be an exceptional experience and enjoys mentoring teams while delivering outstanding hospitality, we encourage you to apply. Join The Whitford and help create a signature dining experience that becomes the heart of our luxury senior living community. #J-18808-Ljbffr