Traveling Chef Manager — Lead Healthcare Kitchen Ops

The Waters; LaGrange (IN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Waters seeks a Traveling Cook Manager to lead culinary operations across healthcare communities. You will supervise Executive Chefs and kitchen teams, ensure high standards of food quality, and drive safe, nutrition-focused resident dining.

You will train staff on cooking techniques, sanitation, and menu execution, while adapting to diverse community needs and travel responsibilities. This role offers meaningful, mission-driven work across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent.
• Two years dietary experience.
• Experience with senior adults or healthcare populations.
• Ability to cook a variety of foods in large quantities.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food-safety credential.
• Certified Dietary Manager (strongly preferred).
• Experience managing multiple culinary locations or traveling to cook.
• Inventory, purchasing, and menu management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach Executive Chefs, Kitchen Managers, cooks, and dining-service teams.
• Maintain consistent culinary standards, procedures, recipes, presentation, and service expectations across locations.
• Support new community openings, leadership transitions, staffing shortages, and operational turnarounds.
• Ensure meals are appealing, nutritious, properly portioned, and served at the correct temperature.
• Promote hospitality-focused dining that respects resident preferences and dignity.
• Monitor resident feedback and address dining concerns with leadership.
• Conduct hands-on training with kitchen staff on techniques, sanitation, and kitchen organization.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ServSafe certification

Certified Dietary Manager (preferred)

Job description

The Waters seeks a Traveling Cook Manager to lead culinary operations across healthcare communities. You will supervise Executive Chefs and kitchen teams, ensure high standards of food quality, and drive safe, nutrition-focused resident dining.

You will train staff on cooking techniques, sanitation, and menu execution, while adapting to diverse community needs and travel responsibilities. This role offers meaningful, mission-driven work across multiple sites.