EXECUTIVE CHEF - Bar Harbor, ME

Compass Group; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in hospitality is seeking an Executive Chef for their Bar Harbor location. This role involves leading a scratch kitchen, ensuring high-quality dining experiences, managing budgets, and fostering a strong team culture in a scenic coastal environment.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Time Off

Employee Assistance

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience.
• Strong knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, sanitation, costs, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary production and food quality.
• Manage budgets, food and labor costs, and safety protocols.
• Lead regular team meetings and set performance goals.

Skills

Culinary Leadership

Customer Service

Team Building

Education

A.S. degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join to apply for the EXECUTIVE CHEF - Bar Harbor, ME role at Compass Group USA

Salary: $65,000

CCL Hospitality Group

Location: Birch Bay Retirement Village – Bar Harbor, ME

With people as our core and a deep commitment to exceptional hospitality, CCL Hospitality Group values caring for individuals who care for our guests. Our team members are our greatest asset, and we strive to strengthen our service culture, ensuring everyone owns a stake in our success and delivers hospitality excellence.

Our four operating companies – Morrison Living, Unidine, Coreworks, and The Hub – are shaping future industry leaders with a service culture focused on elevated hospitality in community living across the country. Join us to see how we drive mutual success that leaves lasting impressions.

Bring Your Passion to the Coast of Maine!

Are you an experienced culinary leader seeking meaningful work in a scenic, supportive, and purpose-driven environment? Birch Bay Retirement Village in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine, is looking for an Executive Chef to lead our scratch kitchen, delivering high-quality dining experiences to residents and guests.

Whether relocating for lifestyle or seeking a new challenge where your work matters, this role offers the chance to thrive in a close-knit community on the iconic coast of Acadia.

Why This Role Stands Out:

• Relocation Support – We offer a relocation package for a seamless transition to Bar Harbor.
• Lifestyle & Location – Live and work in one of New England’s most stunning coastal towns, near Acadia National Park, with charming downtown shops and a high quality of life.
• Mission-Driven Setting – Birch Bay is more than a retirement community; it’s a place centered on relationships, wellness, and hospitality.
• Scratch Kitchen Culture – Showcase your creativity with local sourcing, seasonal flavors, and elevated comfort food.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy a predictable schedule compared to traditional restaurants and hotels.

Job Summary:

An inspirational and organized leader who actively ensures the success of daily kitchen operations, including recruiting, training, and food preparation. The Executive Chef will demonstrate culinary talents through personal involvement in food quality and presentation, develop and empower onsite staff, and improve satisfaction among residents, employees, and clients. The role also involves managing budgets, food and labor costs, and adhering to safety & sanitation protocols.

Leading Culinary Operations:

• Oversee daily culinary production, food quality, presentation, safety, sanitation, team performance, and profitability.
• Design food presentation and decorative displays.
• Develop menus based on product availability; create seasonal specials.
• Source fresh ingredients, monitor produce and meat freshness.
• Ensure consistency through inspections of seasonings, portions, and appearance.
• Research customer preferences to incorporate local foods and flavors into menus.
• Prepare and cook foods regularly or for special events.
• Demonstrate new techniques and equipment to staff.
• Supervise and coordinate food preparation staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Guide and monitor staff performance, set standards, and provide feedback.
• Communicate safety procedures and monitor adherence.
• Maintain quality control over raw and cooked food products.
• Follow and enforce food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Manage purchasing, receiving, and storage standards.

Business & Financial Acumen:

• Develop and implement community business strategies aligned with the client’s mission and values.
• Manage controllable expenses, including food costs, supplies, uniforms, and equipment.
• Establish guidelines for purchasing and receiving.
• Analyze financial data to adjust business plans, staffing, and costs.
• Create and manage departmental budgets, monitor expenses, and forecast needs.
• Identify revenue and expense opportunities and address potential issues.
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, and food supply control.
• Schedule staff based on forecasted volumes.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service:

• Create 100% resident satisfaction through training and resources for team members.
• Maintain professional attitude and appearance when engaging with residents and staff.
• Improve service by understanding guest needs, providing guidance, and coaching staff.
• Support service behaviors that enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
• Empower employees to deliver excellent service, with ongoing training.
• Foster genuine hospitality and teamwork.
• Seek resident feedback and develop improvement strategies.
• Review satisfaction data to identify improvement areas.
• Handle guest problems and complaints effectively.

Team Building and Management:

• Lead regular team meetings.
• Set performance, budget, and team goals.
• Gather employee feedback and address concerns through an open-door policy.
• Develop strategies to increase team engagement.
• Ensure fair treatment and equitable opportunities.
• Provide necessary training, tools, and ongoing feedback to staff.
• Coach and counsel employees to meet performance goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending on formal education.
• Extensive catering experience is a plus.
• Experience in high-volume, complex foodservice operations is highly desirable.
• Institutional and batch cooking experience.
• Hands-on chef experience required.
• Strong knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, sanitation, costs, and presentation.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite and email.
• Willingness to participate in client satisfaction programs.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable.

Apply to CCL today!

CCL is a member of Compass Group USA

Learn more about the Compass story

Associates at CCL are offered many benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance and AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Time Off, Holiday Time Off
• Shopping and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance, FSAs, Paid Parental and Personal Leave

Benefits may vary by location and law. For details on paid time off in specific states, refer to the provided link.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. We maintain a drug-free workplace.