Director of Food and Beverage
Mather Place, a luxury independent senior living community in Wilmette, is hiring a hands-on, experienced Director of Food and Beverage to lead our culinary and restaurant operations. This full-time, salaried, on-site role oversees all aspects of dining—including restaurants, catering, and special events—and plays a key role in delivering exceptional hospitality. Reporting to the General Manager and directly managing the Executive Chef, this leader sets the tone for excellence in both back-of-house culinary standards and front-of-house service. The Food and Beverage Director drives a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence, while leading training and development programs that support team member growth. This role also actively participates in the Novare Culinary sub-group, a collaborative network of forward-thinking senior living organizations focused on shared best practices and industry innovation. As the Director of Food and Beverage you’ll lead and inspire a talented team of culinary and restaurant professionals to consistently deliver outstanding dining experiences and elevate resident and team member satisfaction.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead daily operations of restaurant and culinary teams with hands-on, visible leadership.
- Oversee department financials, including budgeting, cost control, and capital planning.
- Ensure exceptional dining experiences for residents, guests, and team members.
- Identify and implement revenue-generating opportunities across dining services.
- Be present during peak service times to engage residents and support staff.
- Set and uphold high standards for culinary excellence and front-of-house service.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant food service environment.
- Collaborate with department leaders to support community-wide goals.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement in dining operations.
- Lead all culinary and restaurant training and development programs; mentor team members and support career growth.
- Host weekly leadership meetings to align on goals and performance.
- Manage catering sales and execution for private events and special celebrations.
- Ensure all regulatory and safety standards are met or exceeded.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Required:
- Hospitality or Culinary Arts Degree or Professional
- Ability to multi-task in a demanding environment and make independent decisions as
- Effective communication and leadership
- 10+ years progressive supervisory position in a high-quality, scratch multi-venue kitchen
- Ability to establish and maintain professional and positive relationships between supporting departments, residents, team members and HQ staff.
- Current sanitation certification and any other federal, state, local required
- Computer skills including MS Office, SharePoint, online training platforms, recipe, and inventory control software, scheduling systems, web-based purchasing platforms, sanitation dashboards, point of sale systems, reservation systems, online ordering platforms and e-mail.
Preferred:
- Experience working with older adults
#INDM123
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
$105,000 - $112,000 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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