Executive Chef-EXCHEF

Forefront; Glendive (MT); On-site; USD 59,500 - 80,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(k)

Pet insurance

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Forefront is seeking an Executive Chef for a Critical Access Hospital in Eastern Montana. You will lead a dining program, mentor a culinary team, and ensure top-tier food quality and service while maintaining compliance and strong cost controls.

The role partners with the Director of Culinary to deliver exceptional nutrition services, seasonal menus, and patient/resident satisfaction. Starting salary is $70,000 annually with relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in culinary leadership, preferably in healthcare.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, ServSafe, and health department standards.
• Experience managing budgets and food costs.
• Proven ability to train and mentor kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations including production, menu execution, catering, and events.
• Develop and execute seasonal menus aligned with Forefront standards.
• Maintain high food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and sanitation.
• Partner with leadership to drive resident/patient satisfaction and dining experience.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team development

Financial management

Food safety

Regulatory compliance

Resident satisfaction

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Forefront is dedicated to enhancing lives through exceptional culinary and support services. As a leader on our team, you play a vital role in driving operational success within a healthcare environment. Through our core values Tenacity, Integrity, Creativity, Service Excellence, Safety, and Caring, you will lead teams, ensure high-quality service delivery, and help create a clean, safe, and healing environment for all.

Why You’ll Love Leading With Us

• Supportive Culture: Collaborate with a leadership team that values input, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Growth-Focused: Access to leadership development, Lean Six Sigma opportunities, and career advancement pathways
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), pet insurance, and unlimited PTO

We are seeking a dedicated Executive Chef to join our team at a Critical Access Hospital in Eastern Montana.

This role works in close partnership with the Director of Culinary to deliver exceptional food and nutrition services that enhance the well-being of residents, patients, staff, and guests. We are looking for a chef with a healthcare background who understands the impact that quality meals and compassionate service have on the overall healthcare experience.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is passionate about developing and mentoring team members, building a positive culture, and leading by example. This individual will be committed to maintaining high culinary standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering strong relationships with hospital leadership and staff.

If you are a chef who believes that great food, outstanding service, and a well-developed team can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply.

Starting salary: $70,000 annually.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

The Executive Chef is the senior culinary leader responsible for the overall success of dining operations at a Forefront-managed community or account. This role has full accountability for food quality, resident/patient satisfaction, financial performance, culinary team leadership, regulatory compliance, and innovation.

The Executive Chef serves as both a hands-on culinary leader and strategic operator, ensuring exceptional dining experience while maintaining strong cost controls, operational standards, and team development.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is an exempt salaried position, with expected hours to include: days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Functions And Duties

• Culinary Leadership & Quality
• Lead all culinary operations including production, menu execution, catering, and special events.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, scratch or fresh-prepared food aligned with Forefront standards.
• Develop and execute seasonal menus, resident-driven programs, and special dining events.
• Maintain presentation, taste, and service standards at all times.
• Champion innovation, resident engagement, and culinary experience enhancement.

• Financial & Operational Performance
• Own food cost, labor cost, and controllable expense performance.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and purchasing strategies.
• Implement inventory controls, ordering systems, and waste reduction programs.
• Deliver financial results aligned with contractual and company targets.
• Partner with the General Manager and Regional leadership on performance strategy.

• Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Recruit, train, develop, and retain high-performing culinary teams.
• Lead Sous Chefs, Managers, Supervisors, and frontline culinary staff.
• Build strong bench strength, succession planning, and training programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and pride.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action when needed.

• Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with all health department, ServSafe, HACCP, OSHA, CMS, and company standards.
• Lead kitchen sanitation, food safety, and inspection readiness at all times.
• Maintain documentation, training logs, and audit readiness.
• Drive a strong culture of food safety and workplace safety.

• Resident / Client Experience
• Partner with residents, patients, clients, and leadership to drive satisfaction.
• Participate in resident councils, food committees, tastings, and feedback sessions.
• Respond proactively to concerns and continuously improve the dining experience.
• Represent Forefront and the culinary program in a highly professional manner.

• Program & Concept Execution
• Execute corporate programs, standards, and culinary initiatives.
• Support special events, marketing initiatives, and community engagement activities.

Lead openings, renovations, and concept changes when applicable.

Travel

Occasional travel for company meetings by car and/or plane may be required

General Responsibility as Required for Position

• Responsible for acting in conformance with all facility and departmental policies and procedures including those relating to Human Resources, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Health and Safety regulations, Compliance requirements, Patient Rights, Confidentiality, and HIPAA. Responsible for acting in conformance with accrediting agency standards.
• Attends department meetings as required.
• Demonstrates accountability to accept responsibility for personal/professional growth and any required certification/licenses, if applicable.
• Completes mandatory training and competencies annually.

AAP/EEO Statement

Forefront will not discriminate based on race, color, sex, height, weight, disability, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, military service, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or any other protected class in its hiring practices, conditions for transfer or promotion, policies, discipline, discharge, terms, conditions or benefits of employment.

Other Duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Job duties, tasks, responsibilities, and activities may change from time to time.