Executive Chef (Senior Living)

Executive Chef – Summit Place

Location:  Glassboro, NJ
Compensation: $24/hour

Discovery Management Group is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations at Summit Place . This role combines creativity with hands-on leadership, ensuring exceptional food quality, sanitation, team performance, and resident satisfaction. The Executive Chef will oversee menu planning, food preparation, vendor management, and staff training, while collaborating closely with hospitality and leadership teams to create memorable dining experiences.

We are looking for a dynamic culinary professional who can:

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations while actively participating in food preparation and service.
• Develop and execute diverse, high-quality menus that reflect regional, cultural, and dietary needs.
• Plan and manage special events, banquets, and theme meals in coordination with leadership and activities teams.
• Mentor, train, and schedule the culinary team, ensuring accountability and service excellence.
• Maintain strict sanitation and food safety standards; conduct audits and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and food cost controls within budget targets.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure proper equipment use and care.
• Collaborate with Front of House staff to deliver seamless service and align kitchen operations with resident satisfaction goals.
• Respond proactively to resident and family feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a high-performing, positive team culture rooted in service and culinary excellence.

About Discovery Management Group

Discovery Management Group is part of the Discovery Senior Living family of companies, one of the nation’s largest senior living operators. With a focus on performance, innovation, and lifestyle personalization, Discovery Management Group manages and enhances senior living communities across the U.S., supporting more than 6,500 residents nationwide.

Your Role: Executive Chef

As Executive Chef, you will be the creative force and operational leader of the community’s Culinary Services. This includes menu development, staffing, budgeting, food quality oversight, sanitation, and service collaboration. You will play a vital role in delivering exceptional dining experiences that exceed resident expectations while ensuring strong financial performance and operational compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations and actively participate in food preparation.
• Create menus to meet resident preferences, nutrition, and budget requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Adjust menus seasonally and in response to supply chain changes.
• Maintain purchasing standards and ensure approved vendors are utilized.
• Monitor food and labor budgets, and report monthly expenditures.
• Conduct inventories and maintain accurate food & beverage records.
• Supervise and evaluate kitchen staff; recruit, hire, and train team members.
• Provide regular training and ensure consistent food preparation and presentation.
• Collaborate with Front of House staff to ensure a seamless dining experience.
• Plan and execute resident events, banquets, and catering.
• Support Executive Director and Hospitality Manager in meeting resident satisfaction and survey goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ culinary leadership experience in high-volume, high-standard hospitality environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships).
• Hands-on leadership experience managing kitchen staff, meal preparation, and service.
• ServSafe or Food Safety Certification required.
• Strong knowledge of sanitation practices, food safety, and equipment use.
• Background in menu planning, cost control, vendor management, and inventory systems.
• Experience managing special events, banquets, and/or catering.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and kitchen management software.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus when paired with demonstrated high service standards.
• [Insert if applicable: Participation in rotating on-call schedule or Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities required.]

Why Join Us?

• Full benefits package available (medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k, and more)
• Work in a purpose-driven, resident-first environment
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive leadership team
• Make a lasting impact on the lives of residents and families

Benefits You’ll Enjoy:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay with early access to earned wages, flexible scheduling, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and growth opportunities, meals and uniforms (where applicable), and additional perks such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), volunteer time off, and wellness-related benefits.

About Discovery Senior Living

Discovery Senior Living is one of the largest senior living operators in the U.S., with over 350 communities and 35,000 homes across nearly 40 states. Backed by three decades of award-winning experience, Discovery leads a family of companies—including Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery at Home. With 19,000 dedicated employees and an innovative “Experiential Living” philosophy, Discovery is recognized for its leadership in performance, lifestyle customization, and senior living innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V

A Note to Applicants:  This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Agency Policy:  We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Please refrain from contacting hiring managers directly.

Employment Scam Warning:  We only post jobs on our official careers site and accept applications through that platform. We do not conduct interviews via text or social media or ask for personal or banking information.