Position Summary:

The Café Chef De Cuisine, reporting directly to the Corporate Executive Chef, is responsible for executing all on-site dining operations, including preparing daily breakfast and catered lunches, managing inventory and food costs, maintaining kitchen organization and equipment, and ensuring compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations. This role supports catering for meetings and special events while delivering high-quality, consistent food service and fostering a positive dining experience for employees.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• Additional Benefits Include:
• Work that makes a difference in the lives of our residents and community
• An on-site gym with brand-new equipment
• A personal trainer offering daily group classes, stretching sessions, and one-on-one training
• Catered lunches twice a week, prepared by our on-site chef
• Monthly team events and more

Essential Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prepare and execute daily breakfast service using DiningRD to manage and fulfill orders.
• Prepare and execute catered lunches throughout the week.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Executive Chef to refine and standardize recipes and menu offerings.
• Oversee all food ordering and inventory, cost control, and budget adherence.
• Maintain strong communication with vendors, corporate leadership, and the Corporate Executive Chef.
• Support catering needs for meetings, special events, and company functions.
• Own the operation, maintenance, cleanliness, and organization of the kitchen and all equipment.
• Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards (FDA, state, county, and local) are met and maintained.
• Maintain proper food handling procedures, temperature controls, and storage practices.
• Promote a positive dining culture that reflects quality, hospitality, and employee wellbeing.
• Demonstrate operational excellence across all aspects of food service.
• Apply basic mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to inventory management, portion control, and cost calculations.
• Forecast daily production volumes based on participation trends.
• Monitor and manage food cost percentage and minimize waste.
• Maintain consistent food presentation and plating standards.
• Engage with employees to gather feedback and enhance the dining experience.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and coordinate maintenance as needed.
• Remain current with all food safety licensing requirements and ensure compliance with FDA, state, county, and local regulations.
• Work well with others and take direction from corporate executive chef, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for employees, and others as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education and/or Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Associate’s degree with culinary training OR 3-5 years of culinary experience required.
• Valid state and/or county food service licensure as required.
• Food Manager Certification, or ability to obtain upon hire, is required.
• Hepatitis A vaccination is required.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and manage a kitchen without direct supervision.
• Experience producing high quality food in high volume environments.
• Strong understanding of food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen operations.
• Experience with DiningRD is a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency in common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word), web-based platforms, systems, and any HR-related systems as applicable.

Working Conditions:

As part of The Dover Company’s commitment to providing outstanding care and support, the company ensures that staff work under conditions that prioritize safety, collaboration, and professional growth. The conditions listed below define the experience of working in a Cedarhurst Community.

• This position is required to work onsite at the St. Louis Dover Companies headquarters full time, Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Occasional flexibility may be necessary to support special events.
• There is no anticipated travel for this position.
• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently.
• Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.