Senior Living Sous Chef — Lead Kitchen & Menus

Ovation; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan

HSA

Job summary

Ovation is seeking a Sous Chef to lead culinary operations in our senior living community, assisting the Executive Chef with daily tasks, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance. You will develop nutritious, appealing menus tailored for older adults, including texture-modified options, while mentoring kitchen staff.

Responsibilities include coordinating meals across dining venues, maintaining food safety standards, and supporting residents with warm, hospitality-driven service.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or apprenticeship preferred, alongside ServSafe or equivalent credential.
• 2-4 years of progressive kitchen experience with prior supervisory roles.
• Strong knife skills, large-batch cooking, recipe standardization, and menu planning.
• Experience with memory care dining and regulatory compliance (HACCP, HIPAA).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for multiple dining venues, including texture-modified menus.
• Supervise and train prep cooks and line cooks in the executive chef's absence.
• Ensure sanitation, food safety, and state health compliance for vulnerable populations.
• Meet nutritional guidelines (low-sodium, diabetic, pureed, thickened-liquid diets).
• Assist with inventory, ordering, deliveries, and waste reduction.
• Engage residents, coordinate community events, and foster a warm dining atmosphere.

Skills

Supervisory experience

High-volume kitchen

Menu planning

Food safety

Texture-modified dining

Empathy & patient care

Education

Culinary degree or apprenticeship

ServSafe Food Protection Manager

Job description

Ovation is seeking a Sous Chef to lead culinary operations in our senior living community, assisting the Executive Chef with daily tasks, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance. You will develop nutritious, appealing menus tailored for older adults, including texture-modified options, while mentoring kitchen staff.

Responsibilities include coordinating meals across dining venues, maintaining food safety standards, and supporting residents with warm, hospitality-driven service.