Chef - Culinary Services

Park Village Pines; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Village Pines in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a dedicated Chef to lead our kitchen operations, delivering safe, nutritious meals that honor resident preferences and dietary needs. You will supervise food preparation, develop menus, ensure timely service, maintain sanitation standards, and collaborate with dietary and healthcare staff to support dignity and quality of life.

This full-time role requires a Culinary Arts background and the ability to lead a team across shifts, including weekends

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, senior living, or institutional kitchens.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and texture-modified diets.
• Strong emphasis on sanitation and food safety standards.
• Ability to read recipes and dietary instructions.
• Willingness to work weekends/holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and prepare menus and meals per resident needs.
• Follow dietary guidelines and texture modifications.
• Ensure meals are served timely and are visually appealing.
• Maintain sanitation and safety in line with regulations.
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff, training and teamwork.
• Monitor inventory and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with healthcare staff to accommodate resident preferences.
• Uphold hospitality during mealtimes.

Skills

Food preparation

Dietary restrictions knowledge

Food safety

Leadership

Recipe following

Communication

Education

Culinary Arts degree or certification

Job description

Description

Join our dedicated team as a Chef and help deliver safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that enhance our residents' quality of life. In this vital role, you will lead the kitchen operations with a focus on resident satisfaction, dietary compliance, and team collaboration. Your expertise will help create a welcoming dining experience that honors individual preferences and dietary needs while promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life for all residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and prepare menus and meals in accordance with resident needs, dietary requirements, food safety standards, production goals, and appropriate portion sizes.
• Follow all dietary guidelines, including physician-ordered diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and thickened-liquid requirements.
• Ensure meals are served in a timely manner, are visually appealing, and meet quality standards.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, safety, and food handling practices in compliance with health regulations.
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, training, and a positive work environment.
• Monitor inventory levels, manage food supplies responsibly, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and dietary staff to accommodate individual resident needs and preferences.
• Uphold hospitality standards by providing courteous and respectful service to residents during mealtimes.
  

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in food preparation, preferably in a healthcare, senior living, or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions, texture-modified diets, and food allergy management.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and dietary instructions accurately.
• Good communication skills and a compassionate approach to resident care.
• Certification in food safety or culinary arts is preferred.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays as needed.

We foster a culture of respect, growth, and community, offering opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment. Join us in making a meaningful difference through your culinary expertise and compassionate service.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary Arts degree, certification, or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred.
• Two or more years of commercial culinary experience; senior living, healthcare, or hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience required.
• Current Food Safety Manager or Food Handler certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the employer’s required timeframe.
• Working knowledge of high-volume food production, modified diets, allergens, portion control, sanitation, and safe equipment use.
• Ability to read recipes, diet instructions, production sheets, labels, safety information, and to complete basic calculations.
• Dependable attendance, sound judgment, respectful communication, and a service-focused attitude toward older adults.
• Ability to regularly stand and walk for extended periods and to bend, reach, push, and pull.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand motions and work near heat, steam, sharp utensils, wet floors, and cleaning products.