Executive Chef

Join Our Mission At Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC)- Palomino Gardens Retirement, serving seniors isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. When you join our team, you become part of a close-knit, servant-hearted community guided by our Core Values: Respect, Honesty, Kindness & Compassion, and Service Excellence. Together, we work toward four essential goals that guide our success: Happy Employees Happy Residents Full Occupancy On-Budget Operations About the Role At Palomino Gardens Retirement, we are seeking a purpose-driven Executive Chef to join our Independent Senior Living community , where you’ll lead a Culinary and Dining team dedicated to fresh, scratch-made meals and exceptional service. In this highly hands-on role, you will immerse yourself in the kitchen and dining room, stepping into any task needed from prep to planning, while also building genuine connections with the residents you serve. As the Executive Chef, you will guide our Signature Freedom Dining program, a cornerstone of the Resort Lifestyle Communities experience. You’ll create a luxury resort–style dining experience through delicious meals, flexible dining options, and beautifully presented plates. Your leadership ensures residents enjoy an elevated, worry-free dining experience every day, which is one of the top reasons they love calling our community home. Key Responsibilities Guide and immerse yourself in the daily culinary operations, ensuring high-quality, scratch-made meals with excellent presentation and proper temperatures. Lead by example in the kitchen while working hands-on, maintaining a clean, organized environment, and upholding all food safety, handling, sanitation, and hygiene standards. Train, coach, and develop the Culinary and Dining teams while partnering with the Dining Room Supervisor to deliver smooth, timely meal service. Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, vendor relationships, and daily invoice entry using company tools and standards. Build strong relationships with residents by gathering feedback, hosting monthly Chef chats, and adapting menus to their preferences. Create and maintain weekly labor schedules and ensure team compliance with all uniform and safety requirements. What We’re Looking For We’re seeking a hands-on culinary leader who brings both skill and heart to their work. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: Must be at least 21 years of age. Proven leadership experience in culinary preparation, cooking, and supervising a team. Flexibility: Your primary schedule is Sunday–Thursday, plus additional evening, weekend, and holiday support. Education: High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree or related higher education preferred. Technical skills : Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook. Professionalism: Strong communication skills in English, a polished appearance, and a positive, service-minded attitude. Resident-focused approach: Ability to handle resident feedback and concerns, responding politely, calmly and professionally. Certifications: ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days) and any required local food handler permits (within two weeks of hire). Benefits for Full-Time Employees Competitive compensation and benefits Access your pay anytime $341 benefit stipend per pay period to apply toward: Health, Dental, Vision Life Insurance Short- & Long-Term Disability HSA, FSA, LSA Accident & Hospital Indemnity Legal & Identity Theft Protection Paid Time Off 401(k) with employer match Why RLC? Fast-growing, family-owned company with 60 communities nationwide Supportive leadership in a beautiful, resort-style environment A purpose-driven role where you make a difference every day Ready to Lead with Heart? Bring your servant heart to a place that feels like family. Apply today and our Talent Acquisition Team will follow up soon! EOE/ADA LI-CZ1 focusaa415a4b-8b21-40fc-a65c-70d2b25ca29a