Executive Chef

Brookdale; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k)

Associate assistance program

Employee discounts

Referral program

Early access to earned wages

Job summary

Brookdale Cushing Park is seeking an Executive Chef to lead daily kitchen operations, drive menu development, and ensure top-quality meals for residents. You will supervise culinary staff, curate menus, manage inventory and costs, and uphold sanitation and safety standards to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The role requires an Associate degree or equivalent, plus 2–4 years of management in a kitchen and ServSafe certification.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent required.
• Two to four years kitchen management experience.
• ServSafe certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily kitchen operations and ensures high-quality food for residents.
• Supervises and trains kitchen staff on preparation, safety and sanitation.
• Selects recipes, plans menus, and coordinates daily and following-day prep.
• Manages inventory, food costs, and vendor relations to meet budgetary targets.
• Hires, schedules and mentors culinary staff; ensures shift coverage.
• Ensures compliance with health codes and maintains clean, safe kitchen facilities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Culinary operations

Menu development

Sanitation/food safety

Staff training

Budgeting

Education

Associate’s degree (A.A) or equivalent

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Brookdale Cushing Park is seeking an experienced Executive Chef

Do you love the creativity of being an Executive Chef but hate the late nights and hectic weekends? With thousands of recipes to choose from, and the ability to add your own, Brookdale is the place for you. Quality is what we pride ourselves on and listening to our residents in the development of our menus is key. If you are passionate about leading a team, have high expectations when it comes to sanitation and food safety and would enjoy making a positive impact on the lives of seniors then this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Make Lives Better Including Your Own.

If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You’ll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.

Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Associate assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant’s skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company’s 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.

Oversees daily operations of the kitchen and ensures the highest quality food products. Directly supervises and trains kitchen personnel on all related culinary activities.

1. Oversees breakfast, lunch and dinner for quality assurance of meal presentation and portion control.
2. Selects recipes, prepares and coordinates all meals. Coordinates prep for the following day’s menu.
3. Creates new dishes and develops recipes, standardizing recipes to ensure consistent quality. Establishes presentation technique and quality standards. Plans, modifies and develops menus.
4. Performs a pre-meal meeting with food servers to review detail of daily menu.
5. Ensures an adequate number of culinary associates each shift and ensures absences are covered.
6. Estimates food consumption and requisitions food purchases. Monitors and maintains inventory.
7. Assists in the adherence to maintaining budget compliance for daily food costs.
8. Assists in applying appropriate loss prevention procedures.
9. Assists in hiring, training, scheduling, disciplining and terminating associates. Provides training for all kitchen staff.
10. Assists in the coordination and execution of special events.
11. Maintains kitchen cleanliness and food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements. Ensures all kitchen equipment is in working order and kept clean at all times. Oversees the proper inventory, storage and use of cleaning chemicals. Keeps waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree (A.A) or equivalent from two year college or technical school. Two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements

ServSafe Certified. Obtain/hold any local, state and/or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and/or certificates.

Management and Decision Making

Applies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a combination of these.

Knowledge and Skills

Possesses extensive knowledge of a distinct skill or function and a thorough understanding of the organization and work environment. Has working knowledge of a functional discipline. Effective customer service skills and the ability to lead and supervise a diverse group of people. Ability to coordinate the daily production of menus, recipes and food preparation. Capable of managing multiple job tasks including the preparation of several foods at the same time. Excellent cooking skills and an understanding of food preparation principles, ingredients and culinary terminology. Ability to modify and develop creative recipes and menus that are healthy and satisfying to the residents. Ability to understand and apply sanitation principles.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Walking
• Sitting
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Climb or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Exposure to latex
• Ability to lift: Up to 50 pounds
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Vision

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

Brookdale is a Great Place to Be

• Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
• Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
• Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
• Industry leader in clinical care.
• Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
• Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.