Executive Chef

Benchmark Senior Living; Lincoln (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 holidays & 3 floating holidays

Discounted Meal Program

Paid Training & Uniforms

Associate Referral Bonus Program

Health & Wellness programs

Job summary

The Commons in Lincoln, part of Benchmark Senior Living, seeks an Executive Chef who will lead the culinary program and elevate dining for residents. The role emphasizes cuisine quality, local sourcing and hospitality in a no late nights environment.

The Executive Chef will drive menu development, oversee kitchen operations and budget while mentoring a professional team to deliver restaurant-quality dining within a senior living setting.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training.
• 5–7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Exec Chef or Exec Sous Chef responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of food production, menu development, purchasing and cost control.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing culinary teams.
• Current ServSafe certificate or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary leadership and menu strategy across the community.
• Oversee menu development, food quality and kitchen operations.
• Manage staff performance, scheduling and training.
• Monitor food and labor costs, inventory and supplier relations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Team leadership

ServSafe certified

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

The Commons in Lincoln, One Harvest Circle, Lincoln, Massachusetts, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 17, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Executive Chef - No Late Nights

Preferred hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

The Commons in Lincoln – Lincoln, Massachusetts
A Continuing Care Retirement Community within Benchmark

Lead a Culinary Program that redefines Senior Living

At The Commons in Lincoln, dining is more than a meal—it's an essential part of a vibrant lifestyle. Our residents enjoy gourmet cuisine, fresh locally sourced ingredients and diverse dining experiences that rival the finest restaurants. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and elevate an already exceptional dining program.

This is an opportunity for a passionate culinary leader to create memorable dining experiences while making a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults within our community.

Position Summary

The Executive Chef is responsible for the leadership, management and execution of the culinary operations throughout the community. This role oversees menu development, food quality, kitchen operations, staff leadership, budgeting and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of hospitality, creativity and excellence.

The ideal candidate combines strong culinary expertise with exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding resident experiences. This role reportstothe Campus Culinary Services Director ,working in partnershipto elevatethe overall dining experience at The Commons.

Key Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership

• Develop and execute innovative, seasonally inspired menus featuring fresh, local and sustainable ingredients.
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, flavor and consistency.
• Create diverse dining options that accommodate a wide range of tastes, preferences and dietary needs across all the care levels on campus .
• Lead special events, holiday celebrations, chef's tables, wine dinners and other culinary experiences that highlight the diverse cultures and backgrounds that are prevalent within our community.

Team Management

• Recruit, train, mentor and develop kitchen staff.
• Foster a collaborative, professional and service-oriented culture.
• Schedule and manage culinary team members to ensure efficient operations.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee growth and development.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee food production and kitchen operations.
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Monitor inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships and product sourcing.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation and health regulations.

Resident Experience

• Engage with residents to understand preferences and gather feedback.
• Collaborate with community leadership to continuously enhance dining services.
• Create welcoming, restaurant-quality dining experiences that exceed expectations.

Qualifications:

Required

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of food production, menu development, purchasing and cost control.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing culinary teams.
• Current ServSafe certificate or equivalent.

Preferred

• Experience in hospitality, fine dining, luxury senior living, country clubs, hotels or upscale restaurants.
• Knowledge of nutrition and specialized dietary accommodations.
• Passion for farm-to-table cuisine and local sourcing.
• Experience managing multiple dining venues or service styles.

What We Offer

• Exceptional work-life balance within the culinary field, offering a schedule designed to keep evenings free. Our preferred operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Opportunity to lead a highly respected culinary program.
• A mission-driven environment where hospitality and service matter.
• Collaborative leadership team and supportive workplace culture.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and older adults every day.

Why The Commons in Lincoln?

The Commons in Lincoln, a premier community within Benchmark, is known for providing a thoughtfully personalized lifestyle centered on wellness, engagement and hospitality. Our dining program showcases gourmet cuisine, fresh local ingredients and varied dining experiences that redefine what senior living can be. We believe every meal should be an occasion, and we're looking for an Executive Chef who shares that vision.

As a community associate at Benchmark, you will have access to a variety ofbenefits including, but not limited to, the following:

• 8 holidays & 3 floating holidays
• Discounted Meal Program
• Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms
• Associate Referral Bonus Program
• Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match*
• Tuition Reimbursement Program*
• Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off*

*Eligibility may vary by employment status

Benchmark Senior Living is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We embrace and encourage our associates’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our associates unique.

The Commons in Lincoln, One Harvest Circle, Lincoln, Massachusetts, United States of America