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Executive Chef & Director of Food and Beverage

Mather Place (Wilmette, IL)

Craft Culinary Excellence. Lead with Vision. Inspire Community. Are you a passionate culinary leader ready to shape the future of dining in a luxury senior living community? We’re seeking an Executive Chef & Director of Food and Beverage to bring bold creativity, operational excellence, and heartfelt hospitality to life across our vibrant dining venues. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others through food, service, and leadership. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking Luxury Senior Living Community that values creativity, collaboration, and care.

This role is not just about oversight—it’s about presence. You’ll be in the kitchen developing your team, leading shifts, cooking alongside them, and setting the standard for excellence through action. The Executive Chef & Director of Food and Beverage will require a hospitality-first mindset, a strong commitment to sanitation and safety standards, and the ability to communicate clearly and responsively across all levels of the organization. In this dynamic, hands-on role, you’ll lead the charge in delivering unforgettable experiences through:

  • Two full-service restaurants with globally inspired, seasonal menus
  • A specialty coffee bar and a unique filler bar concept
  • A team of talented chefs, baristas, bartenders, and service professionals
  • A culture that celebrates innovation, wellness, and community connection

This position is full-time, salaried, and located on-site at Mather Place in Wilmette, IL.  Some weekends and flexible scheduling required for special events. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

  • Oversee all culinary and F&B operations across venues. 
  • Lead and mentor a diverse team with a focus on excellent and inclusion. 
  • Collaborate with leadership to enhance resident satisfaction and community success. 
  • Be a hands-on leader- developing team members, leading shifts 

Culinary Innovation and Execution 

  • Design seasonal, globally inspired menus with scratch cooking.
  • Ensure high standards in food prep and à la minute execution.
  • Partner with pastry team for desserts and catering excellence.

Dining Experience and Service Culture 

  • Deliver consistent, high-quality service across all venues.
  • Be present during peak times to engage and ensure quality.
  • Train front of house (FOH), and heart of house ( HOH)  teams on luxury service standards.

Financial and Operational Accountability 

  • Manage budgets for food, labor, and equipment.
  • Track KPIs, boost revenue (e.g., events), and improve efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Required:

  • Culinary Arts Degree or Professional Certification (CEC, ProChef, etc.).
  • Minimum seven (7) years of progressive leadership in high-end, multi-venue dining operations.
  • Proven ability to lead large cross-functional teams across front and back of house.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing departmental budgets and food costs.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • ServSafe and local/state sanitation certifications.
  • Proficiency with technology platforms: POS, inventory, recipe databases, purchasing, MS Office, etc.

 

The salary range for this position is a good faith estimate of the range Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual wage paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to specific skills or certifications, years of experience, geographic location and market changes. Bonus Plan eligible ranging from 0-10% of base salary. The position is also eligible to participate in Mather benefit plans.

Salary Range

$80,000 - $110,000 USD

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

 

Team members are eligible for:

  • A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
  • A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
  • Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
  • Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc. 

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
  • Extended illness benefits
  • Employee wellness programs
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance - free to all team members 

 

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About Mather Place

Mather Place is an independent living rental community for those 62 and better, located in the heart of Chicago’s North Shore in Wilmette, Illinois—a short walk from Old Orchard shopping center. Mather Place includes 179 independent living apartment homes, as well as two restaurants, a fitness center, an art studio, a library, and more.

Mather Place is located at 2801 Old Glenview Road in Wilmette.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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Locations include: The Mather in Evanston, Mather Place, The Mather Tysons, Mather HQ, Splendido, Mather Institute, Community Initiatives

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Mather is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. I understand that any job offer is conditioned upon satisfactory completion of all required pre-employment screenings. I understand that completing this application does not obligate Mather to hire me.
Mather is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation of a disability in order to participate in the hiring process should notify Human Resources.