Executive Chef - Healthcare

REAL Food re-fined. Executive Chef - Healthcare | Location: Phoenix, AZ 85008 Compensation: $75,000-90,000 annually + 5% bonus potential | Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am start time.   Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our culinary program in a rural healthcare environment. This role is ideal for a hands‑on culinary leader who values quality, consistency, and hospitality, and who understands the powerful role food plays in health and recovery. As the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, setting the standard for food quality, service, and team culture. You will lead menu development, manage kitchen operations, mentor and develop your team, and ensure meals are prepared with care, creativity, and respect for nutritional and dietary needs. This role requires both strong leadership presence and a willingness to work alongside the team to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate brings a balance of culinary excellence and operational discipline, with experience leading kitchens in healthcare, hospitality, or scratch‑cooking environments. A passion for service, teamwork, and creating meaningful connections through food is essential.   What You'll Do * Leading and overseeing all culinary operations, including production, service, and sanitation * Developing and executing menus that prioritize quality, flavor, nutrition, and presentation * Managing food costs, labor, inventory, and budgeting responsibly * Hiring, training, mentoring, and retaining a high‑performing culinary team * Ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards * Collaborating with leadership, clinical, and service teams to support resident or patient needs * Maintaining a positive, respectful, and hospitality‑driven kitchen culture * Perform other duties as assigned.   What You Will Bring * At least three (3) years of previous Executive Chef or senior culinary leadership experience in a healthcare food service setting * Strong scratch‑cooking background and comfort working with fresh, seasonal ingredients * Experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or similar structured environments preferred * Proven ability to lead teams, manage operations, and uphold high standards * Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and special diets * A service‑oriented mindset with a genuine desire to make an impact through food * Familiarity with healthcare compliance standards and patient-centered service delivery required * Experience in rural, small-market healthcare environments highly preferred    Physical and Sensory Requirements * This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.   At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.   What We Offer! Life/Work Integration * Paid Bereavement Leave * Paid Parental Leave * Paid Baby Bonding Leave * Paid Elder Care Leave * Paid Time Off (Accrued) * Paid Holidays Health & Wellness * 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross) * Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage * Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost) * Voluntary HSA with Company Match * Voluntary FSA * Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support) * Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.) Financial Wellness * 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match * Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance * Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy * Voluntary Short-Term Disability * Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D Plus * A supportive, collaborative work environment * Opportunities for growth   Who We Are  Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.   Our commitment to you  At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.   REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships