Director Culinary Services / Executive Chef

Atria Senior Living; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 84,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays & PTO

Anniversary rewards by location

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement plan with employer

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Atria Senior Living is seeking a Kitchen Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day culinary services in our community. You will supervise staff across kitchen and dining venues, manage scheduling, and ensure food safety and quality standards are met, with a focus on resident satisfaction and teamwork.

The role requires 5+ years of culinary experience, HS diploma or GED, and strong organizational skills. This position offers benefits and a pathway for advancement within the Atria network.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of culinary experience in the hospitality industry.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Ability to resolve problems of dissatisfied customers and/or employees.
• Food handler’s permit as required by state law and/or company standards.
• Basic computer skills – word processing, email, and basic Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations and staffing for kitchen and dining venues.
• Supervise Culinary Services staff including scheduling, assignments, performance reviews, and hiring actions.
• Meet with residents and families to ensure high satisfaction levels.
• Collaborate with restaurant manager to deliver high levels of customer service.
• Ensure front-of-house and back-of-house staff work cohesively to exceed expectations.
• Maintain monthly budgets for the Culinary Services department and track spend on food, supplies, and labor.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Organization Skills

Problem Solving

Food Handler Permit

Computer Literacy

Driver's License

Vehicle Policy Compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their homes.

Atria Senior Living’s family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with outstanding benefits, including:

• Paid holidays and PTO
• Community employees may receive annual anniversary rewards dependent on classification.
• Benefits package also includes Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan / 401(k) employer match
• Tuition reimbursement (U.S Based Communities)

*Enrollment in benefits varies by employee classification; anniversary reward amounts vary by location

As a valued team member at Atria, you’ll work in a supportive environment that provides advancement opportunities and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday

Responsibilities

Responsible for the day to day operations and staffing for the kitchen and dining venues of their community.

• Responsibly manages and supervises all Culinary Services staff including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review (including input on pay adjustments), hiring and corrective action consistent with company policy.
• Meet regularly with residents and family members to confirm that high satisfaction levels are maintained.
• Work with the restaurant manager or coordinator so that he/she has a clear understanding of how to provide high levels of customer service and how to create a restaurant style dining atmosphere.
• Confirm that the front of house and back of house staff work closely together to deliver a food product that exceeds the residents and/or guests expectations.
• Assist Kitchen and Restaurant staff with back and front of the house operations as needed. This includes the ability to work all stations in the kitchen and/or dining room if needed.
• Work with the Executive Director and front line staff to obtain and maintain department Customer Satisfaction and Quality Enhancement levels at or above designated scores.
• Delegate tasks to all staff so that the kitchen and restaurant areas are maintained at the highest levels of cleanliness and quality at all times.
• Ensuring that all food is prepared, stored, and served according to Company standards and with state and/or local health code requirements.
• Maintain Employee Satisfactions scores at or above designated scores.
• Interview and hire staff for the Culinary Services department.
• Conduct and participate in monthly department meetings/in-services
• Able to understand and maintain monthly and annual budgets for the Culinary Services department including producing written documentation of monthly spend on food, supplies, and labor.
• Work with the staff and residents in the planning and development of recipes and menus based on resident likes and dislikes and monthly budgets.
• Ensure that all staff uses and maintains equipment properly to avoid damage and costly repairs.
• Maintain the appropriate inventory of kitchen supplies, small wares and table ware.
• Responsible for ensuring that purchasing standards are maintained and that appropriate vendors are used at all times. Maintain strong and positive relationships with all vendors.
• Responsible for planning, preparation and execution of Engage Life events, special events, banquets, and theme meals.
• Work closely with the Community Sales Director and community staff to market the community via “Taste of Atria – Road Shows” and “Signature Items”.
• Ensure that the kitchen and restaurant staff understands company expectations and first impression requirements.
• May perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years Culinary Experience in the hospitality industry.
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Able to resolve problems of dissatisfied customers and/or employees.
• Food handlers permit as required by state law and/or Company standards.
• Basic Computer skills – Microsoft word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Position may require driving responsibilities (may use Company provided vehicle and/or personal vehicle).
• Must possess valid driver's license.
• Must satisfactorily meet and be in compliance with Company motor vehicle policy standards.

Salary Range

Range from $84,000.00/yr - $96,600.00/yr, dependent on prior work history and experience