Chef

Willow Valley Communities; West Lampeter Township (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Weekly pay

401(k) package

Medical, Dental & Vision

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

On-site fitness center & spa

Cafés and swimming pools

Job summary

Willow Valley Communities is seeking a skilled Chef to lead kitchen operations on the North Campus in Lancaster, PA. You’ll mentor culinary staff, plan menus, and ensure exceptional dining experiences for Residents.

The role is full-time, 40 hours weekly, with mid-shift hours and alternating weekends. Competitive benefits apply, including tuition reimbursement and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in culinary or related field with 4+ years in food production and cost control.
• Experience interviewing, hiring, and training team members.
• P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise all kitchen personnel, including hiring, scheduling and performance evaluation.
• Provide training and mentoring to Sous Chefs and culinary staff.
• Schedule team to meet operational needs within labor budgets and timekeeping.
• Train on proper food handling, preparation, and cooking techniques.
• Conduct daily production meetings and communicate recipe updates.
• Maintain inventories, forecast usage, and manage records in the food management system.
• Manage food costs through supervision, waste reduction, and portion control.
• Conduct dining room rounds to assess resident satisfaction.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Attend Resident Committee meetings and plan seasonal menus and catering events.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Training & mentoring

Cost control

Food safety

Education

A.A. in Culinary or related field

Job description

Overview

Chef

Willow Valley Communities | North Building on the Manor Campus

Lead, Create, and Inspire in an Exceptional Culinary Environment!

Are you a passionate culinary professional ready to lead a talented team while creating outstanding dining experiences? Willow Valley Communities is seeking an experienced Chef to oversee kitchen operations, mentor culinary talent, and help deliver exceptional meals for our Residents every day.

Why Choose Willow Valley Communities?

Outstanding Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Weekly Pay! Get paid every Friday!
• Excellent 401(k) Package
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarship Opportunities
• Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
• Access to Premier On-Site Amenities: Fitness Center, Spa, Cafés, and Swimming Pools
• And so much more!

Compensation

• $32.00/per hour+ based on experience (Salaried Position)

What You'll Do

As Chef, you will lead kitchen operations while ensuring quality, efficiency, and an exceptional dining experience for our Residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Directly supervise all kitchen personnel, including hiring qualified candidates, scheduling and supervising staff, evaluating performance, recognizing achievements, and initiating performance improvement plans when needed.
• Provide training and mentoring to Sous Chefs and all related Culinary positions.
• Schedule Culinary Team Members to meet operational needs while adhering to labor budget guidelines and maintaining accurate timekeeping records.
• Train and instruct team members on proper food handling, preparation, and cooking techniques while overseeing activities in kitchens, cooking stations, grill stations, and menu lines.
• Conduct daily production meetings and effectively communicate recipe updates, product changes, and procedural modifications to ensure quality expectations are met.
• Maintain accurate inventories, forecast food consumption, order food and supplies, and manage records within the food management system to support efficient operations.
• Manage food costs through effective staff supervision, meal production control, waste reduction, utilization of leftovers, and portion control.
• Conduct routine dining room rounds to interact with Residents and assess satisfaction.
• Participate in audits and reporting activities that support quality improvement initiatives.
• Attend Resident Committee meetings as required.
• Conduct training programs on cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety in accordance with designated FOCUS in-service requirements, while monitoring sanitation practices to ensure compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with department team members to plan innovative seasonal menus and recipes.
• Plan, cook, and oversee special catering events throughout the community and Cultural Center.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree (A.A.) from a culinary or related college or university with 4 years of experience in: Food and labor cost control, Demonstration cooking, Menu development
• Experience: Interviewing, hiring, and training Team Members
• P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Schedule

Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week (Salaried Position)

• Mid-shift: 10:00/11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
• Every other weekend required
• Holidays: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location

North Campus600 Willow Valley SquareLancaster, PA 17602

Join Our Culinary Team!

Willow Valley Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.