Executive Chef

Benchmark Senior Living; Lincoln (MA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays & floating holidays

Meal program discounts

401k retirement plan with match

Medical, vision & dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Commons in Lincoln, part of Benchmark Senior Living, is seeking an Executive Chef to lead our culinary program and elevate dining for residents.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years of senior-level culinary leadership, a culinary degree, and a ServSafe certification, with a passion for farm-to-table, local sourcing, and hospitality excellence.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative, seasonally inspired menus featuring fresh, local and sustainable ingredients.
• Lead kitchen operations, ensure highest food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Recruit, train, mentor and develop kitchen staff; schedule for efficient operations.
• Engage with residents to tailor dining experiences and elevate the overall experience.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Team management

ServSafe certified

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent training

Job description

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 reports to the Campus Culinary Services Director, working in partnership to elevate the 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

• Overseefood 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.

Benefits

As a community associate at Benchmark, you will have access to a variety of benefits 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*
• Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits*
• 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.