Executive Chef

Resort Lifestyle Communities; Lake Worth (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Paid Time Off

401(k) with employer match

Health benefits stipend

Job summary

Palomino Gardens Retirement, part of Resort Lifestyle Communities, is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead the Culinary and Dining team in our Independent Senior Living community. You will oversee scratch-made meals, dining service, and a resident-centered experience focused on quality and presentation.

This role requires strong leadership, ServSafe Manager certification or the ability to obtain within 90 days, and proficiency in Excel and Outlook.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in culinary preparation and supervising a team.
• Education: HS diploma or GED; culinary degree preferred.
• Primary schedule is Sunday–Thursday with additional evening, weekend, and holiday support.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days).

Responsibilities

• Guide daily culinary operations with scratch-made meals and great presentation.
• Lead by example in a hands-on kitchen, ensuring cleanliness and safety.
• Train, coach, and develop Culinary and Dining teams with the Dining Room Supervisor.
• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, vendor relationships, and daily invoicing.
• Build resident relationships through feedback and monthly Chef chats; adjust menus accordingly.
• Create weekly labor schedules and enforce safety and uniform policies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Culinary expertise

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Join Our Mission

Respect, Honesty, Kindness & Compassion, and Service Excellence. Together, we work toward four essential goals that guide our success:

• Happy Employees
• Happy Residents
• Full Occupancy
• On-Budget Operations

Join Our Mission

At Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC)- Palomino Gardens Retirement, serving seniors isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. When you join our team, you become part of a close-knit, servant-hearted community guided by our Core Values: Respect, Honesty, Kindness & Compassion, and Service Excellence. Together, we work toward four essential goals that guide our success:

• Happy Employees
• Happy Residents
• Full Occupancy
• On-Budget Operations

About The Role

At Palomino Gardens Retirement, we are seeking a purpose-driven Executive Chef to join our Independent Senior Living community, where you’ll lead a Culinary and Dining team dedicated to fresh, scratch-made meals and exceptional service. In this highly hands‑on role, you will immerse yourself in the kitchen and dining room, stepping into any task needed from prep to planning, while also building genuine connections with the residents you serve.

As the Executive Chef, you will guide our Signature Freedom Dining program, a cornerstone of the Resort Lifestyle Communities experience. You’ll create a luxury resort–style dining experience through delicious meals, flexible dining options, and beautifully presented plates. Your leadership ensures residents enjoy an elevated, worry‑free dining experience every day, which is one of the top reasons they love calling our community home.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide and immerse yourself in the daily culinary operations, ensuring high-quality, scratch-made meals with excellent presentation and proper temperatures.
• Lead by example in the kitchen while working hands‑on, maintaining a clean, organized environment, and upholding all food safety, handling, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Train, coach, and develop the Culinary and Dining teams while partnering with the Dining Room Supervisor to deliver smooth, timely meal service.
• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, vendor relationships, and daily invoice entry using company tools and standards.
• Build strong relationships with residents by gathering feedback, hosting monthly Chef chats, and adapting menus to their preferences.
• Create and maintain weekly labor schedules and ensure team compliance with all uniform and safety requirements.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a hands‑on culinary leader who brings both skill and heart to their work. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Proven leadership experience in culinary preparation, cooking, and supervising a team.
• Flexibility: Your primary schedule is Sunday–Thursday, plus additional evening, weekend, and holiday support.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree or related higher education preferred.
• Technical skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Professionalism: Strong communication skills in English, a polished appearance, and a positive, service‑minded attitude.
• Resident‑focused approach: Ability to handle resident feedback and concerns, responding politely, calmly and professionally.
• Certifications: ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days) and any required local food handler permits (within two weeks of hire).

Benefits For Full-Time Employees

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Access your pay anytime
• $341 benefit stipend per pay period to apply toward:
• Health, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• HSA, FSA, LSA
• Accident & Hospital Indemnity
• Legal & Identity Theft Protection
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with employer match

Why RLC?

• Fast-growing, family-owned company with 60+ communities nationwide
• Supportive leadership in a beautiful, resort-style environment
• A purpose-driven role where you make a difference every day

EOE/ADA