Executive Chef - Senior Living & Memory Care Dining Leader

Ovation; Washington; On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical? Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

Ovation by Avamere is seeking an Executive Chef to oversee culinary operations for independent living, assisted living, and memory care across communities. You will lead menu planning, staff development, budgeting, and regulatory compliance to provide nutritious, engaging dining experiences tailored to residents' dietary needs.

This on-site leadership role requires strong culinary and management skills, a focus on food safety, and the ability to mentor staff while collaborating with resident

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of culinary management experience in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare.
• Culinary degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• ServSafe Manager certification required; CDM/CFPP preferred.
• Deep understanding of therapeutic diets (diabetic, low-sodium, renal, dysphagia).
• Proficient knife skills, large-batch cooking, recipe standardization, and menu planning.

Responsibilities

• Create rotating, seasonal menus for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents.
• Ensure meals meet dietary guidelines and state regulatory requirements.
• Adapt menus for residents with Alzheimer’s/dementia; use visual cues and adaptive dining options.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor culinary staff; enforce food safety standards.
• Lead food committees and resident council meetings; adjust menus to maximize satisfaction.
• Manage food and supply costs; oversee ordering, inventory, and waste.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, storage, and equipment per ServSafe and health codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Culinary management

ServSafe Manager

CDM/CFPP preferred

Therapeutic diets

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

ServSafe

CPR/BLS certification

Job description

Ovation by Avamere is seeking an Executive Chef to oversee culinary operations for independent living, assisted living, and memory care across communities. You will lead menu planning, staff development, budgeting, and regulatory compliance to provide nutritious, engaging dining experiences tailored to residents' dietary needs.

This on-site leadership role requires strong culinary and management skills, a focus on food safety, and the ability to mentor staff while collaborating with resident