Executive Chef – Luxury Hospitality / Senior Living

Company Description

Forefront Culinary & Support Services is a mission-driven provider of high-quality support services for government, healthcare, and senior living clients across the United States. We specialize in delivering culinary, environmental, and facility maintenance solutions that are reliable, efficient, and compliant with federal and state standards.

At Forefront, we invest in our people and empower our teams to bring purpose and pride to every facility we serve.

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Forefront Culinary & Support Services Spring Harbor is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead and elevate our culinary program for their premier senior living community in Columbus, GA. This is a high-impact leadership role for a chef who brings a strong background in upscale dining, country clubs, resorts, or high-end hospitality and who thrives in creating exceptional dining experiences.

Forefront Healthcare & Support Services is proud to be named Modern Healthcare’s #1 Best Places to Work, and we are committed to providing innovative, high-quality dining and hospitality experiences in senior living and healthcare communities.

Spring Harbor Senior Living and Care Community ( Senior Living Retirement Community in Columbus, GA | Spring Harbor ) is recognized for its exceptional hospitality culture, refined dining standards, and commitment to delivering an elevated culinary experience for its residents and guests.

We are seeking a polished, innovative culinary leader with a background in high-end country clubs, luxury hotels, upscale resorts, or premier private clubs. This role is ideal for an Executive Chef who thrives in a guest-focused environment, enjoys creating memorable culinary experiences, and leads with creativity, professionalism, and strong operational discipline.

Position Summary

The Executive Chef will oversee all culinary operations for multiple dining venues, including restaurant-style service, upscale events, seasonal experiences, and catered functions. This leadership role requires a strong balance of culinary artistry and operational expertise, with responsibility for menu development, cost management, team leadership, and overall dining program excellence.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, hands-on chef with exceptional leadership skills and the ability to drive quality, consistency, and innovation across all aspects of the culinary program.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Develop and execute sophisticated, seasonal menus showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Elevate dining standards with exceptional flavor, presentation, and creativity.
• Lead high-end events, chef tables, specialty dinners, and holiday celebrations.
• Maintain a strong presence in the dining program, engaging with residents and guests.

Operational Management

• Direct all culinary operations: production, procurement, inventory, sanitation, and food safety.
• Manage food and labor budgets while maintaining elevated culinary quality.
• Implement systems and standards that support operational efficiency and consistency.
• Build strong vendor relationships and ensure top-tier ingredient sourcing.

Team Development & Leadership

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a talented culinary team.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen environment focused on excellence and growth.
• Provide ongoing training in culinary technique, standards, and hospitality-focused service.

Guest Experience & Engagement

• Build relationships with residents and guests to understand preferences and tailor dining experiences.
• Champion a culture of hospitality, warmth, and elevated service.
• Serve as a culinary ambassador, representing the dining program with passion and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef in a high-end country club, luxury hotel, resort, private club, or upscale hospitality environment.
• Proven success leading multi-outlet culinary operations.
• Strong financial acumen; experienced with food cost, labor management, inventory, and forecasting.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead a polished, guest-focused culinary program with creativity and precision.
• Culinary degree or formal training preferred.

Additional Information

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an Executive Chef who is:

• Creative, polished, and passionate about the craft of cooking.
• Skilled at balancing innovation with operational discipline.
• A strong leader who mentors and develops a cohesive team.
• Highly organized, calm under pressure, and guest-focused.
• Experienced in upscale dining environments where presentation, service, and consistency matter.