Culinary Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Executive Chef/Director Of Culinary Services

Location: Mercy Retirement & Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvs, Oakland CA 94601

This role pays $110,000 to $120,000 per year DOE. We offer great benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with instant match, generous PTO and much more!

Do you thrive in an environment where meaningful work happens every day? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of older adults? Mercy Retirement & Care Center has been at the forefront of senior care for more than 150 years. Situated on our lush campus in Oakland, we provide assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to meet a variety of healthcare needs. We provide exceptional, person-centered care that enhances the quality of life for our residents.

Our Culture of Excellence is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of both our residents and our team members. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where innovation and compassion drive everything we do.

Our Executive Chef:

• Champions a guest-centric culture that prioritizes personalized service, warmth, and memorable dining experiences
• Designs and implements innovative, seasonal menus that celebrate craftsmanship, fresh ingredients, and culinary trends while meeting dietary and regulatory requirements
• Leads with empathy and authenticity, cultivating an environment of trust, respect, and professional growth. Mentor and inspire staff through advanced leadership strategies and emotional intelligence practices
• Maintains impeccable standards of cleanliness, presentation, and organization, ensuring every detail reflects a commitment to hospitality. We are also a learning organization that fosters collaboration, this role will work closely with our VP of Culinary and peer Culinary Directors for our commitment to "The best idea wins"
• Develops and manages budgets with precision, balancing creativity with fiscal responsibility
• Build meaningful connections with residents by completing table- touches, actively seeking feedback to enhance culinary offerings and overall satisfaction
• Collaborate with trusted purveyors to source premium ingredients and artisan products that elevate the dining experience
• Demonstrate mastery in cooking techniques, presentation, and efficiency, setting the benchmark for culinary excellence
• Align culinary services with organizational mission, vision, and values, driving innovation and continuous improvement

What you need to succeed:

• High school diploma or the equivalent education, training and experience. Culinary degree from an accredited school preferred
• Minimum of five years' experience as Executive Chef, including administration and management of food service programs
• Senior living community experience preferred
• Expertise in artisan cuisine, menu development, and contemporary culinary trends
• Responsible to stay current in health nutrition trends and diets offered per Policy and Procedure
• Responsible for active participation in the planning, preparation and execution of meals to include working on production line and prep kitchen
• Advanced knowledge of local Health Department, OSHA, state regulations
• Leadership of employee incentive, retention and training programs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) in the English language. Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred
• Must hold current state-required sanitation (Safe Food Handling and/or Certified Food Manager) certification/license.
• CPR/First Aid certification may be required per title 22.
• Completion of a background check. Additional screenings (drug, fingerprint, TB, physical) may be required per state/local guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

• Exerts up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
• Responsible to maintain a safe work environment for all team members