Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

True Connection Communities (TCC) is a rapidly growing Senior Housing platform focused on the Active Adult and Independent Living segments of the business. At TCC, every day is an opportunity at our Senior Living Community for all our team members to make lasting connections with each other, residents, and resident’s families in a profound and personal way. Team members serve as a bridge between the residents, families, and the company allowing us to provide the absolute best experience for all. At True Connection Communities, you’ll find opportunities to impact lives whether you have direct contact with residents, or support or lead someone who does. For more information on True Connection Communities visit

The Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef is tasked enriching lives through the power of amazing, made from scratch food. The Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef will be responsible for ensuring that aesthetically every plate is pleasing to those who may not have an appetite. The Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring that every meal is nutritionally sound and uses the freshest ingredients available. From time to time the Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef will need to work in conjunction with other department heads to create special events, of which some may be themed. The Director of Culinary Services/Executive Chef is responsible for all food and beverage within the communities, which includes placing orders, vendor management, ensuring all State and Federal rules are being followed for Food and Beverage, scheduling, training and assisting with employee development and disciplinary procedures.

** Must have flexible hours Monday-Sunday, shifts start as early as 7am and up to 7pm

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the hiring, training, and managing of all associates for the kitchen, dining areas, and catering, delivery services.
• Effectively motivates, disciplines, trains, and evaluates all associates in department.
• Schedules team members in accordance with budget and ensures department maintains adequate staffing levels.
• Collaborates with kitchen and restaurant staff to provides a hospitable dining experience for residents.
• Develops and maintains pleasing and nutritious menus.
• Assesses and determines the dining and nutritional desires and preferences of the residents regarding food selection, preparation and presentation through surveys and ongoing contact with residents. Ensures preferences are incorporated into the menu and events.
• Assists Executive Director in development of department budgets including food and supply purchasing, labor expenditures, and capital budget needs.
• Places and/or approves orders from food and dining supply vendors and ensures a proper level of inventory to meet demand as well as minimize cost and waste.
• Monitors budget compliance and makes changes as needed to maintain operational quality and resident satisfaction.
• Improves the décor, ambiance, and condition of restaurants to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
• Ensure that the kitchen and restaurant areas are maintained in a clean and safe manner and ensures the department is in compliance with federal, state and local regulations as well as department related company policies and procedures.
• Ensures that supervisors and associates maintain a safe and sanitary environment that meets local health department codes and company standards.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Additional Job Functions for All Department Heads:

• Works collaboratively with Executive Director and other department heads to create a positive, hospitality-oriented atmosphere for all associates and residents.
• Gives exceptional customer service to residents and visitors, from providing a pleasant greeting to maintaining professionalism and composure in more challenging situations.
• Recognizes and fosters a sales-oriented culture by participating in and contributing toward the sales and marketing efforts of the community, including assisting at events when needed.
• Works with Executive Director to effectively train, coach, reward and discipline all subordinates in a timely manner.
• Completes all departmental-related reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Attends and actively contributes relevant departmental information at daily Stand-Up Meeting.
• Attends and actively participates in company-hosted webinars, on-site meetings, regional meetings and national meetings as scheduled.
• Completes in a timely manner all required trainings to maintain appropriate certifications and credentials for position.
• Meets with all new residents within timeframe set by Executive Director.
• Participates in the Manager-on-Duty program, including covering weekends on a rotating basis, as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Culinary Degree preferred, however 10+ years of Chef experience will be considered in absence of a culinary degree
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in food production/management, including at least 3 of those years in a responsible supervisory role of others preparing food and servicing customers. Experience to include management of food inventories and budgets.
• Can manage a food service operation budget providing up to 3 meals a day, 7 days a week to large numbers of residents and visitors.
• Has extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations regarding the safety of food preparation and handling.
• Must have a Manager’s ServSafe® certification or become certified within 90 days of hire date.
• Must have Covid-19 Vaccine, (or have started the process to get vaccinated with the first shot before starting day one, and complete within first 60 days of employment) or file for reasonable accommodation.
• A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and automobile insurance.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Parental Leave, Short-term & Long-term Disability
• Industry-leading PTO
• Paid Holidays
• 401k program; Including match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Bonus program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee/Resident Referral Bonuses

Working Conditions

This position works in a fast-paced kitchen with exposure to heat, flames, cold temperatures, slippery floors and sharp cooking tools. This position must be present for each meal period, during their work week. This position may work in close contact with others. This position must also comply with food safety regulations, which include appropriate clothing and protective gear such as hairnets, masks, disposable gloves and slip-resistant shoes.

True Connection Communities is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, or other protected status, as established by Federal or State laws.

True Connection Communities complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

True Connection Communities is a Drug-Free/Smoke-Free Workplace.

Must have flexible hours Monday-Sunday, shifts start as early as 7am and up to 7pm