Executive Chef, Healthcare Dining Leader

Forefront; Ardmore (OK); On-site; USD 67,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Pet insurance

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Forefront is seeking an Executive Chef to lead dining operations within a healthcare environment, ensuring top-quality, scratch-prepared food and exceptional resident satisfaction. You will manage food and labor costs, budgets, and purchasing while directing Sous Chefs, Managers, and frontline staff.

Travel may be required; hours include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Join a team focused on safety, sanitation, and program execution, driving innovation and culinary excellence across

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations including production, menu execution, catering, and special events.
• Ensure 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensure full compliance with 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.
• 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.
• Execute corporate programs, standards, and culinary initiatives.
• Support special events, marketing initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Lead openings, renovations, and concept changes when applicable.
• Occasional travel for company meetings by car and/or plane may be required
• Responsible for acting in conformance with all facility and departmental policies and procedures including HR, Ethics, Health and Safety regulations, Compliance, Patient Rights, Confidentiality, and HIPAA.
• Attends department meetings as required.
• Demonstrates accountability to personal/professional growth and required certification/licenses, if applicable.
• Completes mandatory training and competencies annually.

Job description

Forefront is seeking an Executive Chef to lead dining operations within a healthcare environment, ensuring top-quality, scratch-prepared food and exceptional resident satisfaction. You will manage food and labor costs, budgets, and purchasing while directing Sous Chefs, Managers, and frontline staff.

Travel may be required; hours include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Join a team focused on safety, sanitation, and program execution, driving innovation and culinary excellence across