Independent Contractor Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Integral Senior Living (ISL) proudly manages care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across California and surrounding areas serving thousands of residents and families throughout the region. Guided by our foundational "Culture Keepers", we cultivate purpose-driven environments where residents thrive and Team Members feel valued, empowered, and supported.

As part of one of the largest senior living organizations in the nation, our communities have earned Great Place to Work certifications from 2022-2026. At ISL, purpose fuels every role, culture inspires every team, and continuous growth shapes every career. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members' professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

The Executive Chef, in collaboration with the Hospitality Manager, is responsible for the overall management and oversight of culinary strategies, initiatives, and daily culinary activities. This role is accountable for overall meal preparation, accurate estimate of food consumption, purchase of food; select and develop recipes; standardize production recipes to ensure consistent quality; establish presentation technique and quality standards. The Executive Chef also plans menus to meet the needs of our residents; ensure proper equipment operation/maintenance; and ensure proper safety and sanitation in kitchen. The Executive Chef will oversee special catering events and may also offer culinary instruction and/or demonstrate culinary techniques. The Executive Chef uses innovation, imagination, originality, and talent as well as judgment and discretion in performance of the essential function of their role.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist in planning, preparation, and execution of special events, banquets, and theme meals.
• Uses innovation, imagination, originality, and talent to produce menus and recipes that utilize the highest quality ingredients allowed within the overall food and labor budget of the community.

• Understand and maintain monthly and annual budgets for Food & Beverage department, including documentation of monthly spend on food, supplies, and Back of the house labor.
• Review and adjust menus to accommodate seasonal ingredients, recipe improvements, supply chain shortages, rebated and contracted products and cost of goods increases.
• Responsible for ensuring that purchasing standards are maintained and that approved vendors are always used. Maintain strong and positive relationships with all vendors.
• Accurately report and submit monthly inventory of food & beverage supplies.
• Interview, hire and train staff for culinary and back of the house positions.  May assist with interviews for front of the house positions as well.
• Responsibly manage and supervise all culinary and back of the house staff including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review, hiring and corrective action consistent with company policy.
• Work with the Executive Director, Hospitality Manager and community Department Heads to obtain and maintain department customer satisfaction and department of health survey levels at or above designated scores.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs are conducted for kitchen equipment and that all staff uses and maintains equipment properly to avoid damage and costly repair.
• Ensures any dietary needs and restrictions are met.
• Confirm food policies and procedures are being practiced by kitchen staff including, personal hygiene, safe food storage and handling procedures.
• Manages control of food preparation with particular attention to potential overproduction and waste.
• Oversee maintenance and production of accurate daily records.
• Provide ongoing training at regular intervals to kitchen staff in the areas of food preparation and quality service and ensure that plating and presentation meet DSL standards for quality and appearance.
• In collaboration with the Hospitality Manager, ensures that the front of house and back of house staff work closely together to deliver a food product that exceeds the residents' and/or guest's expectation.
• In collaboration with the Hospitality Manager, works with BOH & FOH staff to ensure that they have a clear understanding of how to provide outstanding customer service.
• Work closely with Marketing and Activities personnel to ensure all resident special needs are met as well as to coordinate planning of unique events.
• In unison with the Hospitality Manager and Executive Director, meet regularly with residents and family members to confirm that high satisfaction levels are being delivered.
• Advise community leadership of any concerns regarding residents.
• Assist Kitchen and Restaurant staff with back and front of the house operations as needed. This includes the ability to work all stations in the kitchen and/or dining room if needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Directly supervises employees in the Kitchen. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Culinary Arts preferred, or an associate degree and equivalent combination of minimum five years' work experience as an Executive Chef.
• Minimum of five years' experience as an Executive Chef within the hospitality industry.
• Current ServSafe Certification. 

Benefits:

In addition to a rewarding career and competitive salary, Integral offers a comprehensive benefit package.    

Eligible team members are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, paid time off and paid holidays.   Team members are eligible to participate in our outstanding 401(k) plan with company match our Employee Assistance Program and accident insurance policies.

EOE D/V