Chef Manager Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking an innovative Chef Manager to join our culinary leadership team at a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who enjoys creating memorable dining experiences, interacting with residents, and showcasing culinary talent through catering, special events, and elevated café programming.

This role is centered on hospitality. You'll lead resident catering and special events, partner with the Marketing team to create memorable experiences for prospective residents, elevate the community café, and bring excitement to the dining program through interactive chef demonstrations and display cooking.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Chef Manager serves as a key member of the management team and works collaboratively alongside the Kitchen Manager to ensure the overall success of the culinary operation.

• Plan, prepare, and execute all resident catering, private functions, holiday celebrations, themed dinners, and special events.
• Create innovative menus and exceptional food presentations tailored to each event.
• Deliver outstanding hospitality and service from planning through execution.

• Partner with the Marketing and Sales teams to develop memorable culinary experiences for prospective residents, family events, open houses, and community outreach programs.
• Showcase the community's dining program through exceptional food quality and presentation.

• Lead the ongoing development and enhancement of the café dining experience.
• Create seasonal menus, chef features, grab-and-go offerings, specialty beverages, and promotional events that increase resident engagement.
• Continually identify opportunities to elevate quality, presentation, and the overall guest experience.

• Conduct regular chef demonstrations, action stations, carving stations, themed dinners, and display cooking events in the main dining room.
• Build relationships with residents by creating engaging, interactive culinary experiences.

• Support daily kitchen operations and collaborate closely with the Kitchen Manager to ensure consistent execution throughout the dining program.
• Assist with production, staffing, and service as operational needs require.
• Provide hands-on leadership during high-volume periods, special events, and when additional culinary support is needed.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, sanitation, and food safety.
• Assist with menu development, purchasing, inventory management, and food cost control initiatives.

• Culinary degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success managing catering and banquet operations.
• Experience in upscale restaurants, hotels, country clubs, senior living, healthcare, or hospitality environments.
• Strong culinary creativity and food presentation skills.
• Exceptional organizational and event planning abilities.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.

We're looking for a chef who:

• Thrives in a resident-focused hospitality environment.
• Enjoys interacting with residents, guests, and prospective residents.
• Brings creativity, energy, and fresh ideas to every event.
• Is comfortable leading catering while remaining hands-on in daily kitchen operations.
• Works collaboratively as part of a leadership team and supports colleagues wherever needed.
• Takes pride in creating dining experiences that become a highlight of community life.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine culinary creativity, hospitality, resident engagement, and operational leadership. You'll have the freedom to create memorable events, elevate the dining experience, and work alongside an experienced management team dedicated to excellence in senior living dining services.