Chef de Cuisine (Glenaire)

Chef de Cuisine (Glenaire)

At our community, dining is much more than a meal. It is an opportunity to create meaningful experiences, foster connection, and enhance the quality of life for our residents every day. The Chef de Cuisine serves as a culinary leader, coach, and mentor, working alongside team members to deliver exceptional dining experiences across our upscale retirement community. This role combines culinary excellence with servant leadership, guiding and developing culinary teams while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hospitality, safety, and operational performance. The ideal candidate is an accomplished culinary professional who is passionate about teaching others, building strong relationships, and creating an engaging environment where team members can learn, grow, and succeed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership
• Lead daily kitchen operations with a hands-on, collaborative approach.
• Ensure all food is prepared, presented, and served according to established quality standards and recipes.
• Maintain consistency across multiple dining venues, special events, and catering functions.
• Partner with the Executive Chef to develop rotating menus that reflect resident preferences, wellness goals, and current culinary trends.
• Continuously seek opportunities to enhance the dining experience through creativity and innovation.

• Coaching & Team Development
• Foster a culture of respect, accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Train, mentor, and coach cooks and culinary team members to build technical skills, confidence, and career growth.
• Provide regular feedback, recognition, and development opportunities.
• Lead by example through active participation in kitchen operations and service.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and retention efforts.

• Resident Experience & Hospitality
• Build positive relationships with residents and actively seek feedback regarding dining experiences.
• Partner with dining room leadership to ensure exceptional hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Respond promptly and professionally to resident concerns and service opportunities.
• Participate in resident engagement activities, culinary demonstrations, and special community events.

• Operational Excellence
• Maintain efficient production systems and ensure appropriate staffing and workflow management.
• Monitor food, labor, and operating costs while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Assist with purchasing, inventory control, and vendor relationships.
• Minimize waste through effective planning and inventory management.
• Ensure completion of production records, temperature logs, and other required documentation.

• Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Support infection prevention and resident health initiatives.
• Conduct regular inspections and coaching to reinforce safe food handling practices.

Qualifications Required

• Culinary degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Experience supervising and developing culinary teams in a high-volume environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food production, menu planning, sanitation, and cost controls.
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills.

Preferred

• Experience in senior living, hospitality, luxury dining, country club, resort, hotel, healthcare, or fine dining environments.
• Experience managing multiple dining outlets and special events.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets, nutrition, and senior dining preferences.
• ACF Certification at the CSC level or higher.

Leadership Competencies

• Lead with empathy, humility, and accountability.
• Develop others through coaching and mentorship.
• Create an environment where team members feel valued and supported.
• Balance operational excellence with genuine hospitality.
• Build strong relationships with residents, families, and colleagues.
• Inspire teamwork and a shared commitment to exceptional service.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Why This Role Matters

As Chef de Cuisine, you will help shape one of the most visible and meaningful aspects of community life. Through your culinary expertise, leadership, and commitment to developing others, you will create memorable dining experiences that bring people together, promote well-being, and make a lasting difference in the lives of our residents and team members. We are seeking a leader who believes that great food starts with great people and that coaching, mentorship, and genuine hospitality are the foundation of an exceptional dining program.

Why Us?

Glenaire, is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) with a mission "to honor God by enriching the lives and touching the hearts of those we serve." Our core values are put to good use serving our residents and our fellow teammates. We are looking for individuals with a strong skillset combined with a heart for service. If you have enthusiasm to provide exceptional care while building relationships, this is the place for you!

PTO (Paid Time Off) eligibility

Excellent medical/dental/vision insurance at a low cost for you and your family

Disability and life insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Plan (401k) eligibility

Access to the Wellness Center and free wellness programs

Delicious discounted meals

Employee Assistance Program

Referral program

Faith-based and mission-driven

A true team spirit and belief in making a difference together!