Executive Chef

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Campus Executive Chef to lead an expansive culinary operation for a premier retirement community, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC . This sprawling campus features multiple high-volume dining venues, ranging from a vibrant main market to an upscale, elevated dining restaurant and boutique coffee shop, alongside dedicated healthcare dining kitchens. For a culinary leader, this region offers an incredible lifestyle. Asheville is a nationally celebrated culinary hub known for its thriving arts scene, outdoor adventure, and mild mountain climate, making it an exceptional place to live and work. This is a newly created, highly visible leadership role designed for someone who thrives on elevating cuisine and improving efficiency. The successful candidate will transition the multi‑site kitchens from convenience options toward a 100% scratch‑cooking model while implementing modern technology to replace manual pen‑and‑paper tracking. This role requires a hands‑on, high‑energy leader capable of balancing resort‑style fine dining with the detailed execution of therapeutic and dietary restrictions. Executive Chef Responsibilities: Culinary & Operational Leadership: Oversee all campus‑wide back‑of‑house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, artistic presentation, and strict portion control across fine dining, casual market, and healthcare service areas. Scratch Kitchen Transition & Innovation: Lead the transformation from a partial convenience model to a 100% scratch kitchen, driving menu development, batch‑cooking systems, and creative recipes that change frequently (including monthly global cuisines and seasonal rotations). System Implementation & Financial Management: Build operational systems from the ground up, implementing modern software for recipe costing, digital checklists, prep sheets, inventory control, and waste management to eliminate paper tracking. Staff Training & Development: Mentor, coach, and assess a culinary team of 40 staff members, intentionally closing skills gaps for the half of the kitchen team requiring fundamental development. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Maintain a pristine kitchen environment in strict accordance with local, state, and federal health regulations, consistently targeting and maintaining a Health Department Grade “A” of 98% or higher. Executive Chef Requirements: Experience: 7+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience within a high‑volume, multi‑unit hospitality setting; a background as an Executive Chef in a luxury hotel, resort, or high‑end senior living estate is strongly preferred. Technical Skills: Proven track record in recipe development, food costing, batch‑cooking execution (handling 200+ covers simultaneously), and designing menus tailored to specialized dietary restrictions and therapeutic needs. System Savvy: Strong professional familiarity with culinary software systems (such as automated inventory and catering programs) and a history of successfully moving kitchens away from manual tracking. Certifications & Education: Valid ServSafe Manager Certification is required; a Culinary Arts or College degree is highly preferred. High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required. Licensing: A valid North Carolina Driver’s License with a clean driving record is required to utilize facility vehicles when necessary. Physical Demands: Ability to stand and remain active for up to 80% of the workday, with the capability to safely push, pull, or lift up to 50 lbs. Compensation Package Details: Base Salary: $90,000 – $95,000 annualized (Exempt status) Health Benefits: Generous employer‑sponsored health coverage with 80% of premiums paid by the organization Retirement Plan: 403(b) plan featuring a highly competitive employer match of up to 6% Schedule: Favorable quality‑of‑life hours (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; working either Monday–Friday or Tuesday–Saturday) If you're ready to take the helm of the entire culinary operation and have the work‑life balance rarely seen in this industry, apply today. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Click here to apply online. #J-18808-Ljbffr