Healthcare Kitchen Leader — Chef Manager

Whitsons Culinary Group; Peterborough (NH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitsons Culinary Group is seeking a Chef Manager for healthcare nutrition operations in Peterborough, NH. Lead daily kitchen activities, design patient-centered menus, and ensure safe, compliant food service for patients and staff.

You will collaborate with dietitians, supervise culinary staff, and manage budgets while delivering high-quality meals in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• College or culinary degree preferred; FMP certification preferred; equivalent combination of culinary training and progressive kitchen management experience will be considered.
• Minimum 3-5 years of high-volume food service management experience required; K-12 or contract food service experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing kitchen teams, controlling food and labor costs, executing production schedules, and maintaining food safety and sanitation compliance in a high-volume environment.
• ServSafe certification required; local food safety certification required; OSHA certification preferred; must complete all Company-sponsored training requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn new software programs; proficiency in recipe procedures and cooking techniques required.
• Strong leadership and team development skills; ability to manage and coach kitchen staff in a fast-paced environment; excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations to deliver healthy, high-quality meals to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise and train culinary team members to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compassionate service.
• Design patient-centered menus that are nutritious, therapeutic, and compliant with dietary guidelines.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and inventory systems in accordance with healthcare and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with clinical dietitians and healthcare staff to meet diverse nutritional needs and enhance patient care.
• Manage production records, vendor relationships, and kitchen budgets.
• Foster a culture of dignity, teamwork, and excellence in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• 3+ years of experience in culinary management (hospital, senior living, or healthcare food service a plus)
• Strong cooking skills with a focus on batch cooking and modified diets
• Knowledge of healthcare dietary requirements, food safety protocols, and production planning
• A compassionate leader who builds strong teams and thrives under pressure
• ServSafe certification
• Passion for food, wellness, and making a difference in the lives of patients and caregivers

Skills

Culinary management

Leadership

Team development

Food safety

Menu design

Budget management

Communication

Batch cooking

Education

College or culinary degree

FMP certification

Equivalent kitchen management experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Whitsons Culinary Group is seeking a Chef Manager for healthcare nutrition operations in Peterborough, NH. Lead daily kitchen activities, design patient-centered menus, and ensure safe, compliant food service for patients and staff.

You will collaborate with dietitians, supervise culinary staff, and manage budgets while delivering high-quality meals in a fast-paced healthcare setting.