Executive Chef Senior Living Community | Rochester, NY
Full-Time | Senior Living Dining Services | Culinary Leadership
Position Summary
The Executive Chef provides strategic and hands-on leadership for all culinary and dining services within a senior living community in Rochester, NY. This role is responsible for resident dining programs, menu development, food production, sanitation, staff training, purchasing, and financial performance. The Executive Chef ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, safe, and resident-focused, while meeting clinical dietary needs, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all senior living dining operations, including resident meals, employee dining, and special events.
* Develop and implement cycle menus and standardized recipes that reflect resident preferences, nutritional needs, and budgetary guidelines.
* Partner closely with the Clinical Dietitian to ensure compliance with therapeutic diets, physician orders, and resident care plans.
* Supervise, train, and develop all dining services staff, promoting a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and accountability.
* Conduct employee orientation, ongoing training, performance evaluations, and corrective action as needed.
* Ensure compliance with HACCP, ServSafe, sanitation standards, and safety regulations specific to senior living environments.
* Oversee daily production planning, food quality, portion control, waste reduction, and sanitation practices.
* Manage food purchasing, ordering, inventory control, and cost containment to meet departmental financial objectives.
* Maintain accurate records including temperature logs, production records, inventories, and operational reports.
* Monitor resident satisfaction and collaborate with the Dining Director to address concerns, preferences, and service improvements.
* Lead and participate in weekly meetings with supervisory and dining staff to support communication and continuous improvement.
* Maintain clean, organized kitchen and work areas; coordinate major cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance.
* Participate in in-service education, departmental meetings, and community safety programs.
* Perform additional related duties as assigned by the Dining Director or Administration.
What We re Looking For
* Strong leadership presence with experience in senior living, healthcare, or institutional dining.
* Dependable, punctual, and able to work scheduled shifts consistently.
* Hospitality-driven mindset with a warm, resident-focused approach.
* Excellent communication, organization, and team-development skills.
* Reliable transportation.
Qualifications
Education
* Technical, trade, or vocational degree in Culinary Arts required
Experience
* Minimum 5 years of food production experience, preferably in senior living, healthcare, or institutional dining
* Supervisory or management experience required
Skills
* Ability to read, write, and perform basic math calculations
* Strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, safety, and dietary compliance
Certifications (Preferred)
* ServSafe certification and/or County Sanitation certification
Work Environment
* Work is performed in a clean, well-lit senior living community kitchen.
* Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
* May be required to assist during emergency situations to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and team members.