Executive Sous Chef-ESC

Forefront; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 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 seeks an Executive Sous Chef to lead all kitchen operations, driving culinary excellence and a high-quality dining program within healthcare, senior living, or hospitality settings.

The role supports the Executive Chef, ensuring strong team development, food safety, financial performance, and exceptional resident/guest experiences. Travel may be required; this is a salaried exempt position.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in culinary operations within healthcare or hospitality settings.
• Experience supervising diverse kitchen teams to deliver high-quality dining experiences.
• Knowledge of food safety programs (ServSafe/HACCP) and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations including production, service, retail, and catering.
• Lead, mentor, and develop cooks and staff; manage recruitment and scheduling.
• Monitor food cost, labor efficiency, inventory, and vendor relations to meet budgets.
• Maintain ServSafe, HACCP, and local health department standards and sanitation audits.
• Assist with menu development, recipe testing, and seasonal programming with dietitians.
• Travel as needed for company meetings.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team leadership

Budgeting

Inventory management

Food safety

Menu development

Compliance

Hospitality excellence

Travel flexibility

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.

If you are passionate about leading people, developing teams, and making a meaningful impact, we invite you to join us.

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
• Salary: $65,000 to $70,000

The Executive Sous Chef serves as a senior culinary leader supporting the Executive Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations for a high-quality dining program within senior living, healthcare, or hospitality environments. This role is responsible for driving culinary excellence, operational consistency, team development, food safety, and financial performance while ensuring an exceptional dining experience for residents, guests, and clients.

The Executive Sous Chef acts as the right hand to the Executive Chef, providing leadership, structure, and day-to-day operational execution across all culinary areas.

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 Operations Leadership

• Support the Executive Chef in overseeing all daily kitchen operations including production, service, retail, and catering
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, menus, and presentation standards across all dining venues
• Supervise food preparation, portion control, and plate presentation to meet quality expectations
• Lead daily production meetings, line checks, and pre-service briefings
• Act as Chef in Charge in the absence of the Executive Chef

Team Leadership & Development

• Train, mentor, and coach cooks, leads, and utility staff to build a high-performing culinary team
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing onboarding, and scheduling of kitchen personnel
• Conduct performance feedback, corrective coaching, and skills development
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and hospitality excellence

Financial & Inventory Management

• Assist in managing food cost, labor productivity, and waste reduction initiatives
• Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory controls, and vendor relations
• Ensure accurate production records, recipe costing, and yield management
• Support budget adherence and monthly financial performance goals

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain ServSafe, HACCP, and local health department standards
• Conduct sanitation audits, temperature logs, and corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and infection prevention protocols
• Maintain safe equipment operation and kitchen organization

Menu Execution & Innovation

• Assist with menu development, recipe testing, and seasonal programming
• Collaborate with Registered Dietitians on therapeutic and modified diets
• Support catering events, special functions, and resident engagement activities
• Ensure cultural, regional, and resident preference alignment

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.