Regional Chef: Lead Culinary Excellence Across Communities

WesleyLife; Johnston (IA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

WesleyLife seeks an experienced Regional Chef to provide culinary leadership and operational support across its senior living communities. This hands-on leader will partner with senior culinary and campus leaders to sustain culinary excellence, mentor teams, and drive continuous improvement.

The role focuses on menu development, food quality, labor management, and resident satisfaction while ensuring safety, standardization, and financial goals across the network. Travel is a key aspect.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Serve Safe Certification is required.
• Minimum five years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing foodservice operations.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, budgeting, labor management, and culinary operations.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the WesleyLife network.

Responsibilities

• Provide culinary and operational support across multiple WesleyLife communities.
• Partner with Culinary Directors, Executive Chefs, and leaders to achieve operational excellence.
• Provide interim operational support during vacancies, leaves, new openings, and transitions including menu creation and leading teams.
• Assist communities in achieving food quality, labor management, resident satisfaction, and financial goals.
• Support implementation of network-wide culinary initiatives and strategic priorities.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts / Hospitality Management / Foodservice Management or related field

Serve Safe Certification

Five+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience

Proven experience leading teams and managing foodservice operations

Job description

WesleyLife seeks an experienced Regional Chef to provide culinary leadership and operational support across its senior living communities. This hands-on leader will partner with senior culinary and campus leaders to sustain culinary excellence, mentor teams, and drive continuous improvement.

The role focuses on menu development, food quality, labor management, and resident satisfaction while ensuring safety, standardization, and financial goals across the network. Travel is a key aspect.