Working Executive Chef (Senior Living Community)The Summit • Hockessin, DE, US

Working Executive Chef (Senior Living Community)

The Summit • Hockessin, DE, US

22 days ago

Job type

Full-time

Part-time

Job description

Job Description

Discover Your Purpose with Us at The Summit!

As Working Executive Chef , you’ll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day.

Your Role :

As the Working Executive Chef , your role includes leading all culinary operations while remaining hands-on in the kitchen. You’ll combine creativity, leadership, and excellence in execution to deliver outstanding dining experiences for residents and guests. This role is responsible for menu planning, food preparation, sanitation, inventory, vendor management, and staff development—all while modeling a service-driven, hospitality-focused culture.

Position Highlights :

Status : FULL TIME
Schedule : Flexible to cover mealtimes (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); on-site leadership presence required
Location : Hockessin, DE
Rate of Pay : $90k Annually Exempt

Why You'll Love This Community :

The Summit in Hockessin, DE features memory care residences and personal care apartment homes for rent. In The Summit, residents discover a family-oriented environment with team members who will assist in every possible way to make their retirement days bright and fulfilling. Our culture offers a strong connection of trust and belonging, and a lifestyle that encourages health, growth, happiness, and learning. The Summit offers full amenities including cooking, housekeeping, maintenance, and much more. Ultimately, allowing our residents time that is better spent with their family and friends and doing the more enjoyable activities they love.

What You’ll Do :

Lead day-to-day kitchen operations while actively participating in meal preparation and service

Develop and execute diverse, high-quality menus that reflect resident preferences, cultural influences, and nutritional needs

Plan and manage special events, banquets, and themed meals in coordination with community leadership and the activities team

Mentor, train, and schedule the culinary team, ensuring accountability, safety, and service excellence

Maintain the highest standards of sanitation and food safety; conduct regular inspections and audits for compliance

Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and food cost controls within budget targets

Oversee preventive maintenance and proper care of kitchen equipment

Collaborate with Front of House and hospitality teams to deliver seamless, memorable dining experiences

Respond promptly to resident and family feedback to ensure satisfaction and continuous improvement

Foster a positive, high-performing team environment rooted in service and culinary excellence

Qualifications :

Minimum of 5 years of culinary leadership experience in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships)

Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking, presentation, and plating standards

ServSafe or Food Safety Certification required

Strong knowledge of sanitation practices, food safety regulations, and proper equipment use

Proven ability in menu development, cost control, vendor management, and inventory systems

Experience managing special events, banquets, and / or catering

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems

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?

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package – medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k) and more for eligible positions

Thrive in a purpose-driven environment that puts residents first

Join a collaborative, supportive leadership team that values your voice

Build meaningful connections and create lasting impact for residents and their loved ones

Benefits You’ll Enjoy :

Competitive wages

Early access to earned wages before payday!

Flexible scheduling options with full-time and part-time hours

Paid time off and Holidays (full-time)

Comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurances (full-time)

401(K) with employer match

Paid training

Opportunities for growth and advancement

Meals and uniforms

Employee Assistance Program

About Discovery Management Group

Discovery Management Group is part of the Discovery Senior Living family of companies, a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and lifestyle customization that today, ranks among the 2 largest U.S. senior living operators. Discovery Management Group specializes in managing and enhancing senior living communities across the United States. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and lifestyle personalization, Discovery Management Group plays a vital role in serving more than 6,500 residents nationwide.

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.

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Executive Chef • Hockessin, DE, US