Executive Chef Luxury

Sunrise Senior Living•Bethesda, MD

20h•$80,184 - $110,656•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Chef serves as the visionary leader of the culinary program at Sunrise Senior Living, overseeing all aspects of food production and presentation with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and refined hospitality. This role is responsible for curating and executing an elevated dining experience that reflects the highest standards of culinary artistry and service. Key responsibilities include: Culinary Leadership, Operational Oversight, Team Development, Financial Stewardship, and Compliance and Standards.

Requirements

Degree or certification in Culinary Arts from an accredited institution or equivalent experience
Minimum of 7 years of experience as an Executive Chef in a fine dining or luxury hospitality setting
Current Food Safety and Sanitation Certification or ability to pass course and exam at hire
Exceptional multitasking and organizational skills, with the ability to manage high-volume service while maintaining precision and quality
Strong delegation and team development abilities, aligning tasks with individual strengths and fostering a collaborative kitchen culture
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings, deliver training, and engage with both staff and guests
Proficient in time management, problem-solving, and sound decision-making under pressure
Technologically adept, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and culinary management software
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and peak service hours to ensure a consistent and elevated guest experience

Responsibilities

Lead all culinary operations, ensuring flawless execution of food preparation, presentation, and service in alignment with guest preferences, the culinary identity of the restaurant, and Sunrise Senior Living standards and expectations.
Develop and implement seasonal, innovative menus that reflect the restaurant’s concept, elevate the guest experience, and showcase culinary artistry while meeting financial expectations.
Drive revenue earning opportunities, including but not limited to weekend brunches, family events, holiday gatherings, and catering.
Manage inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships to ensure premium ingredient sourcing, cost control, and operational efficiency.
Oversee kitchen staffing, training, and scheduling to maintain a high performing, disciplined, and collaborative culinary team.
Enforce strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols to maintain a pristine and inspection-ready kitchen environment.
Partner with community, regional, and corporate leaders to feature the culinary program in sales, marketing, activities, and other key business areas.
Ensure food is protected from contamination and safe food handling is practiced at all times to prevent an outbreak of food borne illness.
Champion a culture of cleanliness, precision, and vigilance in all aspects of kitchen operations, setting the benchmark for excellence in food safety and sanitation.
Train all team members on food safety and sanitation requirements to ensure consistent execution.
Partner with community team to ensure compliance with federal, state/provincial and/or local regulations pertaining to occupational health and safety requirements and promotion of Risk Management programs and policies.
Ensure and practice safety procedures at all times including appropriate use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire extinguishers, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and Lockout Tagout procedures.
Engage with guests during meal service to ensure satisfaction, gather feedback, and tailor the dining experience to individual preferences and expectations.
Review and document relevant guest information daily, including dietary needs, preferences, and any physical or behavioral considerations, to ensure seamless and personalized service.
Participate in regular culinary feedback forums and guest dining committees to continuously refine offerings and exceed expectations.
Maintain the highest level of professionalism in handling all guest-related feedback.
Understand and manage departmental financial performance, including labor/labour, procurement, and operational expenses, ensuring alignment with profitability targets and luxury service standards.
Utilize approved vendors and procurement systems to ensure consistent sourcing of premium ingredients while maintaining accurate financial tracking and cost control.
Ensure timely and accurate submission of all financial data, including expense reports and budget forecasts, in accordance with internal controls and compliance protocols.
Review monthly financial statements and implements plans of action for deficiencies.
Collaborate with executive leadership in the development of the annual operating budget, aligning culinary goals with broader business objectives.
Partner with cross-functional teams to maximize staffing efficiency, encourage cross-training, and support a flexible, high-performing culinary operation.
Lead all aspects of culinary team management, including recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary.
Oversee staffing and scheduling to align with operational needs and budgetary goals, ensuring optimal coverage during peak service times.
Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and labor/labour regulations through ongoing supervision, training, and documentation.
Champion team engagement by fostering a positive kitchen culture.
Stay current with industry trends and best practices through continued education, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
Attend regular meetings; Stand Up, Cross Over, Department Head Meetings, Town Hall, and others as directed by the Executive Director or direct supervisor.
Review daily timekeeping and payroll reports for direct reports to ensure all hours worked are recorded and appropriately paid.
Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met.
Perform other duties as assigned.