Executive Chef-Kosher

Restaura; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Restaura, part of the Phoenix3 Collective, seeks an Executive Chef to lead the kosher culinary operation for a senior living community. You will plan menus, ensure strict kashrut, and supervise the kitchen team under mashgiach guidance, balancing resident dining with high-volume institutional discipline.

You will oversee meat/dairy separation, source kosher ingredients, control costs, and ensure food safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Chef or Executive Chef in an institutional, high-volume kitchen.
• Hands-on experience in a certified kosher kitchen under mashgiach supervision.
• Strong knowledge of kashrut, meat/dairy separation, pareve handling.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety credential.
• Strong leadership, staff supervision, and kitchen management skills.
• Experience managing food and labor costs within a defined budget.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute daily kosher menus for senior living residents, including therapeutic and texture-modified diets.
• Maintain strict kosher compliance across food storage, preparation, labeling, and equipment handling.
• Collaborate with mashgiach and rabbinical supervision on kashrut decisions and practices.
• Source and manage certified kosher ingredients and supplier relationships.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen and dining staff.
• Manage food and labor costs against budget, including ordering, inventory, and waste control.
• Ensure compliance with health department standards in addition to kosher requirements.
• Oversee kosher-for-Passover transitions and holiday kitchen changes as applicable.
• Partner with dining services leadership on resident satisfaction and events.

Skills

Kashrut knowledge

Leadership

Staff supervision

Menu planning

Food safety

Budget management

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent training

ServSafe certification

Job description

The Executive Chef is responsible for the full kosher culinary operation, from menu planning and food production through kitchen staff supervision, all in strict compliance with kashrut and under the guidance of the community's rabbinical supervision (mashgiach). This role requires a chef who can balance high-quality, resident-centered dining with the operational discipline required in an institutional, high-volume kosher kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute daily kosher menus appropriate for a senior living resident population, including therapeutic and texture-modified diets as needed
• Maintain strict kosher compliance across all food storage, preparation, labeling, and equipment handling, including proper separation of meat, dairy, and pareve items
• Work collaboratively with the community's mashgiach and rabbinical supervision on all kashrut-related decisions and kitchen practices
• Source and manage certified kosher ingredients and supplier relationships
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen and dining staff
• Manage food and labor costs against budget, including ordering, inventory, and waste control
• Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and health department sandards in addition to kosher requirements
• Oversee kosher-for-Passover kitchen transitions and other holiday-specific kitchen changeovers as applicable
• Partner with dining services leadership on resident satisfaction, special events, and family dining experiences

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Chef or Executive Chef in an institutional, high-volume kitchen (senior living, healthcare, or large-scale kosher catering strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated hands-on experience working in a certified kosher kitchen, including direct experience working under mashgiach supervision
• Working knowledge of kashrut, including meat and dairy separation, pareve handling, and kosher certification standards
• Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety credential
• Strong leadership, staff supervision, and kitchen management skills
• Experience managing food and labor costs within a defined budget

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience specifically in a senior living, assisted living, or healthcare dining environment
• Experience managing therapeutic or texture-modified diets
• Familiarity with kosher-for-Passover kitchen conversion processes

Restaura, part of the Phoenix3 Collective portfolio, is a leading hospitality and culinary culture specialized in food and dining management services. Through its dedication to innovation and exceptional service, Restaura is setting new standards for food and dining management services in senior living and active aging communities. Restaura leverages state-of-the-art technology, data analytics, and forward-thinking strategies to craft dining experiences and business solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients. Restaura combines the latest advancements in nutrition science, culinary artistry, and hospitality to create truly extraordinary experiences. More information about Restaura can be found at Restaura | The Future of Senior Living Dining

Don't meet ALL the requirements but think you have the ability and determination to have an impact in this role? Data shows that diverse candidates may be less likely to apply when they do not think they meet all the job requirements, but very few successful candidates possess all the requested skills and experiences. We are a culture of learners, and we want culture accelerators who are willing to learn and grow. If you think that is you and this role fits with your career aspirations, give it a shot!