Executive Chef

Gallaher Signature Living - Varenna • Santa Rosa, CA

3d • $90,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Executive Chef brings both refined culinary artistry and disciplined operational leadership. This individual will serve as the culinary steward of the community, responsible for delivering a dining experience that is sophisticated, resident-centered, and fully compliant with all applicable regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, an inspiring mentor, and a meticulous operator who understands the balance between creativity, consistency, and fiscal responsibility.

The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and management of culinary operations, including menu development, food production, staff supervision, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures that all meals are prepared and served in accordance with Title 22 regulations, food safety standards, and
Gallaher Signature Living’s elevated hospitality expectations. The Executive Chef collaborates closely with the Culinary Director and community leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences that enhance resident satisfaction and well-being.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, full-service environment; fine-dining, luxury hospitality, or senior living experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in culinary technique, kitchen operations, and team leadership.
• Proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor controls, food cost management, inventory oversight, and budgeting.
• Working knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements; Title 22 experience preferred.
• Ability to successfully pass all required physical examinations, background checks, and clearances in accordance with DSS licensing requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and professional email communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and continuously refine seasonal menus, daily specials, and resident-informed offerings that reflect nutritional balance, variety, and culinary excellence.
• Ensure menus meet the dietary needs and preferences of residents while complying with all applicable Title 22 and food service regulations.
• Maintain awareness of culinary trends, techniques, and best practices appropriate for a luxury active adult dining environment.
• Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent execution, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Manage food and labor budgets in alignment with company benchmarks; monitor costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste reduction strategies.
• Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Partner with the Culinary Director on daily operations as well as monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning.
• Lead all BOH staffing functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Foster a professional, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet operational needs while maintaining compliance with labor regulations.
• Ensure full compliance with Title 22 regulations, local health department standards, and Gallaher Signature Living policies.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation practices at all times.
• Conduct regular line checks, kitchen inspections, and documentation reviews to ensure readiness for inspections and audits.
• Collaborate with community leadership to support regulatory surveys, corrective actions, and ongoing compliance initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical (PPO and HSA), dental, and vision insurance options (fulltime only)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – (fulltime only)
• Life insurance (fulltime only)
• 401(k) plan with safe harbor employer match
• Paid vacation and sick time for hourly team members; PTO plan for exempt team members
• Hourly staff members receive paid time off for their anniversary and birthday
• Paid holidays
• Paid bereavement
• Paid jury duty
• Complimentary meals for day-shift property employees from our award-winning dining programs
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
• Extensive employer provided training for staff members at all levels

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed