Executive Chef

Willow Valley Communities; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 79,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Benefits: Medical, Dental, V

Great 401k Package with company match

Generous PTO

Weekly Pay

Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarship

Career Growth Opportunities

On-site Fitness, Spa, Cafés, Pool

Plus Much More!

Job summary

Willow Valley Communities is seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at The Manor, with an open-kitchen concept where Residents and guests interact with the team. The role oversees multiple dining venues, drives menu concepts, and cultivates culinary talent to deliver exceptional experiences.

The Senior Chef will manage SOPs, budgets, scheduling, and food safety standards, while partnering with suppliers and ensuring top quality across all venues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading multiple dining venues and culinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, health department regulations, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee recipe development, testing, standardization, and documentation.
• Establish and enforce SOPs for kitchen efficiency and consistency.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and labor productivity.
• Lead food budgets, cost controls, and waste reduction strategies.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relations.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Culinary Leadership

Menu Development

Kitchen Operations

Food Safety HACCP

Staff Training

Budget & Costing

Vendor & Purchasing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or related field

Job description

Overview

Executive Chef

The Manor at Willow Valley Communities

Lancaster, PA Full-Time | Salaried $79,040 - $83,200 Annually

Lead Culinary Excellence in a Resident-Centered Community

Are you a passionate culinary leader who thrives on creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections with those you serve? At Willow Valley Communities, we’re seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at The Manor, one of our premier dining destinations.

This is a unique opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise in an environment where Residents and guests can see your team’s work firsthand. With our open-kitchen concept, you’ll have regular interaction with Residents and guests, creating memorable dining experiences while building genuine relationships through exceptional food and service.

As Executive Chef, you will oversee multiple dining venues, inspire and develop culinary talent, drive operational excellence, and bring innovative menu concepts to life while upholding the high standards that Willow Valley Communities is known for.

Benefits & Perks

• Excellent Benefits:Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Great 401k Package with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Weekly Pay!
• Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarship Opportunities
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Access to On-Site Amenities: Fitness Center, Spa, Cafés, and Swimming Pool
• Plus Much More!

Position Overview

Responsible for the consistent preparation of innovative and creative cuisine for multiple restaurants and dining locations. Develops, designs, and present menus that align with the organization’s concept, standards, and customer expectations. Directs all kitchen operations, including food preparation, production and service execution. Fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee recipe development, testing, standardization, and documentation
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for kitchen efficiency and consistency
• Ensure proper staffing, scheduling, and labor productivity
• Maintain clean, organized, and professional kitchen environments
• Develop and manage food budgets and cost of goods targets
• Monitor food usage, waste, and yields; implement waste reduction strategies
• Analyze food cost reports and adjust menus or purchasing accordingly
• Oversee food purchasing and inventory management
• Ensure timely ordering, receiving, storage, and rotation of products
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate culinary staff
• Set performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching
• Ensure staff follow recipes, procedures, and food safety standards
• Ensure proper staffing, scheduling, and labor productivity
• Establish product specifications and approved vendor lists
• Ensure timely ordering, receiving, storage, and rotation of products
• Collaborate with suppliers and distributors to maintain quality and availability
• Enforce all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with HACCP, health department, and internal quality standards
• Monitor allergen handling, special diets, and nutrition requirements as applicable
• Conduct kitchen audits and inspections and address deficiencies promptly
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides supervision to receiver, cooks, sous chefs, and lead cooks.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training Team Members; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining Team Members; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Schedule & Availability

• Full-time, exempt salaried position
• Typical schedule is approximately 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM most days
• Five-day work week
• Weekend and holiday availability is required
• Weekend and holiday schedules are typically shared among leadership and often rotated
• On select holidays and special events, shifts may be adjusted to an earlier schedule, such as 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Flexibility is needed to support dining operations, special events, Resident functions, and business needs

Why Join Willow Valley Communities?

At Willow Valley Communities, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day through extraordinary culinary experiences. You’ll work alongside a talented team in a vibrant, hospitality-focused environment where innovation, professionalism, and resident satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.

If you’re ready to lead a dynamic culinary operation while engaging directly with Residents and guests through our unique open-kitchen dining experience, we’d love to hear from you.