Budgeting, Coaching, Cook Dishes, Culinary Operations, Culinary Training, Customer Support/Service, Food Delivery, Food Preparation, Food Quality, Food Safety, Food Services, Healthcare, Healthcare Management, Inventory Management, Leadership, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Product Family, Nonprofit, Nutrition Therapy, Nutritional Needs, OSHA, On Site Support, Operations, Production Management, Production Planning, Records Management, Regulations, Retirement Plan, Sanitation, ServSafe Certification, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vision Plan
Whitsons Culinary Group is Hiring a Chef Manager!
Lead with Compassion and Purpose: Wentworth Senior Living (WSL) is partnering with Whitsons Culinary Group to find an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead our onsite dining services. While this position is employed by Whitsons, you'll work every day at WSL, leading the culinary team in providing exceptional dining experience for our residents.
Location: Portsmouth, NH. WSL is located steps from Portsmouth’s Market Square and Prescott Park, behind the Strawbery Banke Museum.
Job Summary: The Chef Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of the culinary department while serving as a hands-on member of the kitchen team. This position cooks approximately four (4) days per week and supervises food production, staff supervision, food safety, inventory management, and the delivery of exceptional dining experiences for the residents of WSL.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead daily kitchen operations to deliver healthy, high-quality meals to residents, staff, and visitors.
- Supervise and train culinary team members to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compassionate service.
- Design resident-centered menus that are nutritious, therapeutic, and compliant with dietary guidelines.
- Maintain food safety, sanitation, and inventory systems in accordance with healthcare and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate with clinical dietitians and healthcare staff to meet diverse nutritional needs and enhance resident care.
- Manage production records, vendor relationships, and kitchen budgets.
- Foster a culture of dignity, teamwork, and excellence in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Requirements:
Education & Experience
- College or culinary degree preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of culinary management experience, preferably in senior living, healthcare, or a high-volume food service environment.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate a culinary team.
- Strong hands-on culinary skills, including batch cooking and the preparation of therapeutic or modified diets.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, production planning, inventory management, and kitchen operations.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of food quality, customer service, and resident satisfaction.
- Commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences and enhancing the well-being of older adults.
- Completion of required safety training.
Licensure, Registration & Certification
- Current ServSafe Certification required.
- Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) certification preferred.
- OSHA Certification preferred but not required.
- Local food safety certification, if required by the jurisdiction of employment.
Computer Skills
- All Microsoft Office Suite products.
- Ability to learn new software programs.
Whitsons Culinary Group compensates their staff with competitive salaries and many other benefits.
Hours: This is a full-time position working five (5) days per week. The schedule will vary based on operational needs, with typical shifts of 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM or 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.
Rate: $65,000–$70,000 annually
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- Predictable schedule with limited evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Comprehensive benefits package through Whitsons, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
- Paid time off and ongoing professional development.
- The opportunity to lead a culinary team and enhance the dining experience for residents in a welcoming senior living community.
About Whitsons: At Whitsons, we believe nourishing food plays a vital role in recovery and well-being. As a Chef Manager in healthcare, you’ll bring culinary care to the front lines—serving meals that support treatment, comfort patients, and fuel caregivers. You won’t just manage a kitchen—you’ll lead a team that brings heart to healthcare.
About WSL: WSL is a nonprofit assisted living and memory care community located in the heart of historic Portsmouth, NH. Established in 1911, we continue to provide exceptional, personalized care and support to our residents and local seniors.
As an independent nonprofit, we can adapt quickly to the evolving needs of those we serve. We are dedicated to supporting seniors’ health, independence, relationships, and interests—ensuring they remain fully engaged and living richer, more meaningful lives.To learn more about WSL, please visit, https://wentworthseniorliving.org.