Executive Chef

WELLQUEST LIVING LLC•Portland, OR

21d•$80,000 - $88,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations within the community, ensuring high-quality dining experiences for residents, families, guests, and staff. This position leads the kitchen team in food preparation, menu development, sanitation compliance, inventory management, staffing, budgeting, and overall dining service excellence. The Executive Chef plays a key role in resident satisfaction by creating nutritious, appealing, and diverse meals while maintaining a welcoming dining culture that reflects the standards and values of the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 3–5 years of culinary leadership experience required.
Current food handler’s certification required.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.
Previous experience in senior living, healthcare, hotel, or restaurant management preferred.
ServSafe Manager certification preferred.
Experience with special diets and senior nutrition preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of daily meals for residents, guests, and special events.
Develop seasonal menus that provide variety, nutritional balance, and resident satisfaction.
Ensure meals are prepared and presented according to company standards and dietary requirements.
Monitor food quality, taste, temperature, and presentation at all meal periods.
Accommodate physician-ordered diets, allergies, texture modifications, and special requests as appropriate.
Recruit, train, coach, and supervise culinary team members including cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and servers as applicable.
Create and manage kitchen schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and accountability.
Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
Participate in disciplinary actions and corrective coaching when necessary.
Interact regularly with residents and families to gather feedback and improve dining satisfaction.
Participate in resident meetings, special events, holiday meals, and community functions.
Promote hospitality and excellent customer service throughout the dining program.
Collaborate with Life Enrichment and leadership teams on themed events and celebrations.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety regulations.
Maintain sanitation standards in accordance with OSHA, health department, and company policies.
Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, cooling, and temperature logs are completed.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
Participate in infection control and emergency preparedness procedures.
Manage food and kitchen supply inventory.
Monitor food costs, labor costs, waste, and purchasing practices to remain within budget expectations.
Order food, supplies, and equipment from approved vendors.
Assist with budget planning and variance management for the dining department.
Ensure equipment is properly maintained and serviced when necessary.