Executive Chef

QUAIL PARK OF LYNNWOOD; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Great benefits

Professional growth

Supportive culture

Meaningful work

Job summary

Quail Park Communities is seeking an Executive Chef / Director of Signature Dining in Visalia, CA. You will lead the culinary team, design restaurant-quality menus, and ensure top-tier dining across independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

You will manage operations, budgets, and food safety while mentoring staff and delivering memorable resident experiences with hospitality and flair.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of food service experience with 3+ years in culinary management.
• Culinary arts education or certification preferred.
• Experience in upscale dining, hospitality, or senior living preferred.
• Strong menu planning and knowledge of specialized diets and textures.
• Ability to lead teams, manage food costs, and maintain quality standards.
• Organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Current Food Manager Certification and other safety credentials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a culinary team, setting direction and standards.
• Develop menus for residents with dietary needs and textures.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, quality, sanitation, and inventory.
• Manage budgets and purchasing to control costs.
• Collaborate with dining room leadership to deliver exceptional dining.
• Plan seasonal menus and special events to enhance experience.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and licensing.

Skills

Food service experience

Culinary management

Menu planning

Food cost management

Leadership

Communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Food Manager Certification

Education

Culinary arts education or certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Executive Chef / Director of Signature Dining

Quail Park Communities | Visalia, CA
Full-Time | $72,384–$75,000 Annually (DOE)

Bring Your Culinary Passion to Life at Quail Park!

Are you a talented culinary leader who loves creating exceptional dining experiences? At Quail Park Communities, we believe great food brings people together, creates lasting memories, and makes every day special!

We're looking for an experienced, creative, and hands-on Executive Chef / Director of Signature Dining to lead our culinary team at our beautiful senior living community in North Visalia's Shannon Ranch area.

This isn't your typical kitchen leadership position! You'll have the opportunity to bring restaurant-quality dining to our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residents while building a talented team and creating memorable culinary experiences.

What You'll Do

• Lead & Inspire: Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a team of culinary professionals.

• Create Exceptional Dining: Develop delicious, appealing menus that accommodate residents' preferences and specialized dietary needs.

• Own the Kitchen: Oversee daily culinary operations, food quality, sanitation, inventory, purchasing, and budgets.

• Deliver Five-Star Hospitality: Partner with dining room leadership to create an outstanding resident dining experience.

• Get Creative: Plan seasonal menus, special events, celebrations, and memorable dining experiences.

• Maintain Excellence: Ensure compliance with food safety, health regulations, and senior living licensing requirements.

• Lead by Example: Roll up your sleeves and support your team with hands‑on cooking and meal preparation.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• 5+ years of food service experience, including 3+ years in culinary management.

• Culinary arts education or certification preferred.

• Experience in upscale dining, hospitality, or senior living preferred.

• Strong menu planning skills, including knowledge of specialized diets and modified food textures.

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage food costs, and maintain exceptional quality standards.

• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Current Food Manager Certification and other required food safety credentials.

• Ability to meet applicable background screening, health, and training requirements.

Why You'll Love Working at Quail Park

• Competitive Salary: $72,384–$75,000 annually, depending on experience.

• Great Benefits: Medical, dental, retirement savings options, and paid time off.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continued education and leadership development.

• Supportive Culture: Work alongside a team that values creativity, collaboration, and exceptional hospitality.

• Meaningful Work: Make a difference in residents' lives through food, connection, and memorable experiences.

Quail Park Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.