Executive Chef

Senior Dining Association Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Dining Association Inc. is seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary production and kitchen operations for over 500 residents in a dynamic senior living dining program. This role entails menu planning, food quality oversight, and team leadership, while ensuring a high standard of resident satisfaction.

Ideal candidates will have a culinary degree or significant experience, along with the ability to manage large teams in high-volume environments. A commitment to hospitality and resident engagement is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree and/or significant progressive culinary leadership experience in hospitality or healthcare.
• Experience leading large culinary teams in a high-volume, multi-venue environment.
• Strong knowledge of food production, sanitation, purchasing, and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all culinary production and kitchen operations.
• Oversee food quality, menu execution, and team leadership.
• Develop culinary team members and foster a culture of hospitality.

Skills

Food production

Sanitation

Purchasing

Inventory control

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

The Executive Chef provides strategic and operational leadership for all culinary production and kitchen operations across a dynamic senior living dining program serving more than 500 residents. This role oversees food quality, menu execution, purchasing, sanitation, production systems, team leadership, and culinary innovation across multiple dining venues, healthcare dining, catering, and special events.

The Executive Chef leads and develops culinary team members while fostering a culture of hospitality, collaboration, accountability, and excellence. Responsibilities include menu planning, food and labor management, regulatory compliance, inventory and purchasing oversight, food safety and sanitation programs, and maintaining high standards of presentation and resident satisfaction.

This position works closely with dining leadership and other departments to deliver exceptional dining experiences that support resident engagement, wellness, and quality of life within a mission-driven continuing care retirement community.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree and/or significant progressive culinary leadership experience in hospitality, healthcare, country club, hotel, resort, or senior living environments
• Strong knowledge of food production, sanitation, purchasing, inventory control, and kitchen operations
• Experience leading large culinary teams in a high-volume, multi-venue environment
• Knowledge of therapeutic and special diet requirements preferred
• ServSafe certification or equivalent preferred
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to hospitality, resident engagement, and team development