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Senior Area Executive Chef

SodexoChicago, ILMay 9th, 2026
Sodexo is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Area Executive Chef to support retirement communities within our Senior Living segment primarily across the MidAtlantic region and the West.As the Area Executive Chef, you will oversee culinary operations across multiple senior living communities, driving innovation, consistency, and excellence in resident dining, retail, and catering. You will work with hourly staff on Sodexo's culinary foundations program and will display cook at the communities you continuously visit. Under your leadership we will elevate the resident dining experience by implementing current senior living dining trends, supporting menu development, leading culinary training, and ensuring adherence to Sodexo’s culinary and safety standards. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong culinary expertise, high-volume experience, and a commitment to operational and financial success.Travel Requirement:This position involves regular regional travel, approximately 75%, to multiple sites and locations primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northwest region, with additional travel across the U.S. as needed. The ideal candidate will reside in the DC, FL, IL, TX or CA area. Candidates should be prepared to spend time on the road visiting various facilities to ensure consistent support and collaboration across the region.What You'll DoLead culinary operations across approximately 50-55 senior living facilities primarily in the MidAtlantic and West market.Partner with Executive Chefs (ECs) to drive operational excellence and performanceEnsure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded conceptsStandardize food quality, presentation, and resident meal experienceSupport menu development, recipe rollouts, and culinary innovation initiativesMonitor food cost performance, production forecasting, and inventory practicesEnsure strict compliance with HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standardsCollaborate with Client and Sodexo leadership to align culinary operations with client goalsUtilize food management systems to monitor performance and drive efficienciesIdentify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement best practicesSupport hiring, onboarding, and development of culinary talent across the enterprise.What We OfferCompensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs401(k) Plan with Matching ContributionsPaid Time Off and Company HolidaysCareer Growth Opportunities and Tuition ReimbursementMore extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.What You BringProven experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader, preferably within a healthcare foodservice environmentMulti-site or system-level culinary oversight experience preferredStrong understanding of resident dining standardsDemonstrated expertise in HACCP, regulatory compliance, and healthcare food safety standardsExperience managing food cost controls, production systems, and inventory oversightStrong communication and collaboration skillsAbility to analyze performance data and implement strategic improvementsPassion for delivering consistent, high-quality resident dining experiencesWho We AreAt Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.Qualifications & RequirementsMinimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 5 YearsMinimum Functional Experience - 3 years