Head Chef & Kitchen Manager - Senior Living

The W Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off and sick days

Retirement investment opportunity

Growth and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Sanford Manor, part of The W Group, seeks a Food Service Manager who is also the Head Chef to lead a hands-on kitchen for residents in New York. You will cook alongside your team, supervise culinary staff, and ensure meals are safe, nutritious, and prepared with care.

You will develop cycle menus, tailor recipes to meet therapeutic diets, manage budget and inventory, and collaborate with administration to address resident needs and feedback.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a chef or cook in a leadership role, with food service management experience.
• Healthcare, assisted living, or adult home experience preferred.
• Strong cooking skills, including high-volume meal preparation.
• Working knowledge of therapeutic diets, food safety practices, and DOH dietary regulations.
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification or NYC Food Protection Certificate required.
• Culinary degree or certificate a plus.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and hold a team accountable.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Head Chef, preparing and cooking meals daily and setting the standard for taste, quality, and presentation.
• Develop cycle menus and recipes that meet residents’ nutritional needs, therapeutic diets, and NYS Department of Health requirements.
• Accommodate special diets, texture modifications, allergies, and resident preferences.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise cooks, dietary aides, and kitchen staff.
• Oversee food preparation, portion control, and meal service to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Maintain sanitation, food safety, and equipment standards, and keep the kitchen survey ready at all times.
• Order and receive food and supplies, manage inventory, and stay within budget.
• Maintain required logs and records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and inspection documentation.
• Partner with administration, case management, and care staff to address resident needs and feedback.
• Participate in DOH inspections and implement corrective actions as needed.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume cooking

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or certificate

Job description

Sanford Manor, part of The W Group, seeks a Food Service Manager who is also the Head Chef to lead a hands-on kitchen for residents in New York. You will cook alongside your team, supervise culinary staff, and ensure meals are safe, nutritious, and prepared with care.

You will develop cycle menus, tailor recipes to meet therapeutic diets, manage budget and inventory, and collaborate with administration to address resident needs and feedback.