Chef

Willow Valley Communities; Willow Street (PA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

PTO

Weekly pay

401(k) Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

On-site amenities

Job summary

Willow Valley Communities is seeking a qualified Chef to lead the Lakes Building kitchen, ensure exceptional dining for Residents, and mentor culinary talent. You will drive food quality, cost control, and team development in a full-time role at Lakes Campus in Lancaster, PA.

The position requires an Associate's Degree in culinary arts with 4 years of related experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in culinary or related field with 4 years of experience in food and labor cost control, demonstration cooking, and menu development.
• Experience in 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.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise all kitchen personnel, hire, schedule, evaluate performance, and initiate improvements as needed.
• Provide training and mentoring to Sous Chefs and culinary staff.
• Schedule team to meet operations while adhering to labor budgets and timekeeping records.
• Train on proper food handling, preparation, and cooking techniques across stations.
• Communicate recipe updates and product changes in daily production meetings.
• Maintain inventories, forecast usage, and order supplies in the food management system.
• Manage food costs through supervision, production control, waste reduction, and portion control.
• Conduct dining room rounds to assess Resident satisfaction.
• Participate in audits and reporting for quality improvement.
• Attend Resident Committee meetings as required.
• Train on cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety per in-service requirements; monitor sanitation.
• Collaborate to plan seasonal menus and recipes.
• Plan, cook, and oversee special catering events.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff training

Food cost control

Menu development

Demonstration cooking

Education

Associate's degree in culinary or related field

Job description

Overview

Chef

Willow Valley Communities | Lakes Building

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

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Weekly Pay! Get paid every Friday!
• Excellent 401(k) Package
• 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: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• + every other weekend & some holidays

Location

Lakes Campus300 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.