Executive Sous Chef

Executive Healthcare Sous Chef
$70,000/year | Full-Time Days
Location: Wesley Willows | Rockford, IL

Apply today and receive a response within 48 hours!

Create Exceptional Dining Experiences That Matter

At Wesley Willows, dining is more than a meal—it’s an experience. We’re redefining senior living with restaurant-quality cuisine, seasonal creativity, and a hospitality-driven approach. As our Executive Healthcare Sous Chef, you’ll help craft elevated, chef-inspired menus that bring comfort, joy, and a true sense of occasion to every table.

If you’re passionate about high-end cuisine but want a more balanced lifestyle and a deeper sense of purpose, this is your opportunity.

Why Join Us?

• Cook with Purpose
  • Bring fine dining to a community where your food truly impacts daily life and well-being.
• Elevated Culinary Environment
  • Work with a team committed to restaurant-quality presentation, flavor, and innovation—without late-night service.
• Work-Life Balance
  • Full-time days with an every-other-weekend rotation—no late nights or unpredictable hours.
• Competitive Compensation
  • $70,000 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Collaborative Culture
  • Join a supportive, hospitality-focused team that values creativity, input, and professional growth.
• Fast Hiring Process
  • Apply today and hear back within 48 hours.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with the Executive Chef to lead a high-performing culinary team delivering elevated, restaurant-style dining
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including scratch cooking, plating standards, and quality execution
• Design and execute seasonally inspired menus that reflect both culinary trends and resident preferences
• Lead upscale catering and special events, creating memorable dining experiences for residents and guests
• Maintain excellence in presentation, flavor profiles, and consistency across all offerings
• Balance creativity with operational excellence, including inventory, cost control, and efficiency
• Uphold the highest standards in food safety, sanitation, and healthcare compliance
• Mentor and inspire kitchen staff, fostering a culture of craftsmanship and pride in every plate

What You Bring

• At least 2 years of culinary leadership experience (healthcare experience a plus, not required)
• A passion for refined cuisine, modern techniques, and beautiful presentation
• Strong foundation in scratch cooking, flavor development, and menu innovation
• Ability to blend fine dining standards with nutrition-focused cooking
• A desire to create meaningful dining experiences in a hospitality-driven environment
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be 18+ to operate kitchen equipment

Benefits for Eligible Team Members

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Mail Order Pharmacy & Telemedicine
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program

Bring Your Culinary Talent Where It Truly Matters

This isn’t just another kitchen—it’s a chance to elevate everyday dining into something extraordinary. Join us in creating meals that nourish, delight, and inspire.

Apply today and start cooking with purpose.

To apply, please complete the required questionnaire. We accept applications on a rolling basis.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related conditions), political affiliation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants.

Applicants for this position must be able to produce a negative drug test. Applicants may be subject to a background check. Employees in this position must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. If requested, this organization will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the position’s essential job duties. As markets change and the Organization grows, job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels evolve. With this understanding, this organization retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Our Commitment to Health & Safety The wellbeing of our residents and team members is our top priority. To help keep everyone safe, we ask all team members to receive a yearly flu shot (with medical and religious exemptions available), While we do not require the COVID-19 vaccine for employment, we do collect vaccination status in accordance with health guidelines. This helps us keep our community informed, safe, and prepared. Candidates must also complete a QuantiFERON Gold TB Blood Test as part of their pre-hire drug screen and physical.

Due to the safety-sensitive nature of skilled nursing services and participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act Screening


• National, State, County Criminal Background Checks


• Federal and state exclusion screening (OIG/Medicare/Medicaid)


• Pre-employment drug screening (including marijuana)


• Verification of work authorization


• Applicable registry verification (CNA. Nurse)


• Motor vehicle record view for positions requiring driving