Lead Culinary Director: Mentorship, Menus, Weekly Pay

Willow Valley Communities; Willow Street (PA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

PTO

Weekly pay

401(k) Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

On-site amenities

Job summary

Willow Valley Communities is seeking a qualified Chef to lead the Lakes Building kitchen, ensure exceptional dining for Residents, and mentor culinary talent. You will drive food quality, cost control, and team development in a full-time role at Lakes Campus in Lancaster, PA.

The position requires an Associate's Degree in culinary arts with 4 years of related experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in culinary or related field with 4 years of experience in food and labor cost control, demonstration cooking, and menu development.
• Experience in interviewing, hiring, and training team members.
• P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise all kitchen personnel, hire, schedule, evaluate performance, and initiate improvements as needed.
• Provide training and mentoring to Sous Chefs and culinary staff.
• Schedule team to meet operations while adhering to labor budgets and timekeeping records.
• Train on proper food handling, preparation, and cooking techniques across stations.
• Communicate recipe updates and product changes in daily production meetings.
• Maintain inventories, forecast usage, and order supplies in the food management system.
• Manage food costs through supervision, production control, waste reduction, and portion control.
• Conduct dining room rounds to assess Resident satisfaction.
• Participate in audits and reporting for quality improvement.
• Attend Resident Committee meetings as required.
• Train on cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety per in-service requirements; monitor sanitation.
• Collaborate to plan seasonal menus and recipes.
• Plan, cook, and oversee special catering events.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff training

Food cost control

Menu development

Demonstration cooking

Education

Associate's degree in culinary or related field

Job description

Willow Valley Communities is seeking a qualified Chef to lead the Lakes Building kitchen, ensure exceptional dining for Residents, and mentor culinary talent. You will drive food quality, cost control, and team development in a full-time role at Lakes Campus in Lancaster, PA.

The position requires an Associate's Degree in culinary arts with 4 years of related experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety and service excellence.