Executive Chef

Description

Luther Village is a beautiful 55-acre independent senior living community located in Arlington Heights, IL. We are currently seeking an Executive Chef with a passion for cooking and delivering exceptional dining experiences. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented culinary team. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial acumen, experience in training and team development, and a focus on food quality and presentation.

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations in a senior living community, ensuring high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals that meet residents' dietary, health, and lifestyle needs. This role combines culinary excellence, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and hospitality-driven service.

Key Responsibilities: Culinary & Menu Management

• Design and execute seasonal, resident-focused menus that balance nutrition, flavor, and presentation
• Ensure consistency, quality, and portion control across all meal services
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, plating, and service standards

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., health department, sanitation, food safety)
• Maintain accurate production records, recipes, and nutritional documentation
• Uphold food safety standards, including HACCP, ServSafe, and infection control practices

Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen staff
• Foster a positive, respectful, and service-oriented work environment
• Conduct performance evaluations and coaching
• Enforce workplace safety and labor standards

Operations & Financial Management

• Manage food and labor budgets to meet financial goals
• Oversee inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and cost controls
• Minimize waste while maintaining quality and resident satisfaction
• Participate in audits and inspections

Resident Experience & Hospitality

• Engage with residents to gather feedback and enhance dining satisfaction
• Support special events, holiday meals, and community functions
• Collaborate with dining room management to deliver a warm, restaurant-style experience

Qualifications Required

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience
• Prior experience in healthcare, senior living, or high-volume food service preferred
• Current food safety certification (SERV Safe or equivalent)

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Budgeting and cost-control expertise
• Passion for hospitality and senior care
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

What we offer

• Enjoy great schedules with no late nights, early closures on holidays, and weekends.
• Medical, dental, vision, accident, identity theft, pet insurance, and company-paid life, STD, and LTD
• PTO plus vacation
• 401k with a company 4% match

How will you make an impact

• Oversee food purchasing, preparation, presentation, and storage within budget
• Supervise food production and utility staff to ensure efficiency and quality
• Maintain core menus, recipe management system, and BOH computer systems
• Ensure kitchen and equipment sanitation; conduct monthly internal audits
• Comply with all federal and state food safety regulations (Health Dept./HACCP)
• Partner with the Restaurant Manager to address and resolve food service issues
• Ensure consistent food quality and appealing presentation
• Build and maintain relationships with residents through dining room visits and meetings

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance