Experienced Chef

Thomson Health & Rehab; Perry, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Prescription Coverage

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

401(k) Retirement Plan with employer-m

Paid Leave

Job summary

Thomson Health & Rehab in Perry, Georgia is seeking a passionate Chef to lead our culinary team, plan menus, and prepare resident-centered, nutritious meals.

You will manage staff, enforce HACCP and safety standards, monitor food costs, oversee inventory, and collaborate with dietary managers to meet therapeutic diets.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive, fast-paced healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Culinary arts degree or equivalent certification required.
• 5+ years in a Chef or leadership role in healthcare or institutional settings.
• Experience with dietary needs and therapeutic diets is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Menu planning: design seasonal, nutritious menus accommodating dietary needs.
• Food preparation: cook diverse dishes with standardized recipes for consistency.
• Staff management: lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff.
• Quality control: enforce HACCP, safety, sanitation, and audits.
• Inventory management: control stock, reduce waste, manage costs.
• Collaboration: work with CDM and interdisciplinary staff on meal service.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Time management

Creativity in recipes

Communication

Flexibility (hours)

Education

Culinary arts degree

Assoc. degree in culinary management

ACF certification

Tools

Dietary software

Job description

The ideal candidate will be a passionate and skilled culinary professional responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, preparing high-quality, resident-centered meals, and managing kitchen staff. This role ensures that all food safety, sanitation, quality standards, and regulatory requirements are consistently met, while promoting a positive and efficient kitchen environment and managing food costs. The Chef will play a key role in enhancing resident satisfaction through innovative, nutritious cuisine adapted to dietary needs.

Location: Perry, Georgia

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us: Our skilled nursing facility is dedicated to providing exceptional care and quality of life for our residents. We prioritize nutritious, delicious meals tailored to individual needs in a supportive and compassionate environment. We are seeking an experienced Chef to lead our culinary team and elevate our dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Planning: Develop and design seasonal menus that incorporate fresh ingredients, accommodate dietary preferences (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, pureed, or allergen-free options), resident requirements, and current culinary trends. Ensure all dishes are nutritious, balanced, and cost-effective while aligning with nutritional guidelines for elderly care.
• Food Preparation: Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes with precision, adhering to standardized recipes for consistency. Oversee food preparation processes to guarantee quality, freshness, and presentation, while adapting meals for therapeutic diets and special requests.
• Staff Management: Lead, mentor, and supervise kitchen staff, including cooks, aides, and assistants. Provide training on advanced food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and best practices. Delegate tasks effectively to optimize workflow and foster team development.
• Quality Control: Maintain strict compliance with health and safety regulations, sanitation guidelines (e.g., HACCP standards), and proper food handling procedures. Regularly inspect kitchen operations, conduct quality audits, and promptly address resident feedback or complaints to ensure high satisfaction levels.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory control, including stock rotation, ordering supplies from vendors, and minimizing waste to control food costs. Uphold cleanliness, organization, and maintenance of kitchen equipment and storage areas.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), kitchen managers, and interdisciplinary staff to coordinate meal service timing, menu offerings, and special events. Promote a collaborative, positive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Culinary arts degree, associate's degree in culinary management, or equivalent certification from an accredited institution (e.g., ACF certification).
• Experience: At least 5 years of proven experience as a Chef or in a similar leadership role, preferably in a healthcare, nursing, or institutional setting. Completion of a culinary apprenticeship or equivalent hands‑on training, with a strong understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and volume production.
• Skills:
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and time management abilities to handle fast-paced kitchen operations.
• Creativity in recipe development and menu innovation, with a focus on healthy, appealing dishes for diverse populations.
• Proficiency in food safety protocols, nutritional analysis, and dietary software/tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for team collaboration and resident interaction.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed in a 24/7 facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in skilled nursing or long-term care facilities, with knowledge of geriatric nutrition and therapeutic diets.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training.
• Familiarity with budget management and cost-control strategies in food service.

"FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT."

Our focus on high-quality results creates a challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all eligible employees with a variety of options to meet your health care needs that include:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Prescription Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Continuing Education and Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching
• Personal and Family Medical Leave

EOE / AA / M / F / D / V Drug-Free Workplace