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Culinary Services Director Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Cook The Lodge at Historic Lewes

Lewes, DE · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Work closely with the Culinary Services Director and/or Executive Director to keep residents satisfied with food and dining programs. * Able to assist Culinary Director with the supervision of ...

Cook The Lodge at Historic Lewes

Lewes, DE · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Work closely with the Culinary Services Director and/or Executive Director to keep residents satisfied with food and dining programs. * Able to assist Culinary Director with the supervision of ...

Culinary Market Manager

Dover, DE · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... Director to oversee culinary operations, menu strategy, and financial management across two ... Founded in 1975 as Hospital Housekeeping Systems, today HHS provides services including ...

Cook

Newark, DE · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Under the direction of the Food Services Director, help to manage the operation of the Food ... Culinary arts training or equivalent experience in the culinary arts preferred * Must be able to ...

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Culinary Services Director information

What does a Culinary Services Director do?

A Culinary Services Director oversees all aspects of food service operations in institutions like hospitals, senior living facilities, or schools. They are responsible for menu planning, staffing, budgeting, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. This role often involves managing a team of chefs and kitchen staff, coordinating with nutritionists, and interacting with residents or clients to ensure dietary needs are satisfied. Additionally, they may handle vendor relationships and compliance with health regulations to maintain high standards in food service delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Culinary Services Director?

To thrive as a Culinary Services Director, you need expertise in menu planning, food safety regulations, budget management, and a degree in culinary arts or hospitality management. Familiarity with kitchen management software, inventory systems, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, high-quality dining experiences, and compliance with health standards in food service environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a Culinary Services Director in managing a diverse kitchen team?

A Culinary Services Director often oversees a team with a wide range of skill levels, backgrounds, and roles, which can present challenges in communication, training, and maintaining consistent standards. Balancing creativity with operational efficiency, adapting to changing dietary trends, and ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations are also key concerns. Successful directors foster a collaborative environment by providing clear guidelines, ongoing mentorship, and regular feedback, which helps unify the team and enhances overall performance.

What is the difference between Culinary Services Director vs Executive Chef?

AspectCulinary Services DirectorExecutive Chef
CredentialsFood service management certifications, culinary backgroundCulinary degree, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentHealthcare, senior living, corporate dining facilitiesRestaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, senior care, large-scale food service providersRestaurants, hotels, resorts

The Culinary Services Director oversees food service operations in large-scale or institutional settings, focusing on management, compliance, and service quality. The Executive Chef primarily manages kitchen operations, food preparation, and culinary staff in restaurant or hotel environments. While both roles require culinary expertise, the Culinary Services Director emphasizes management and service delivery in institutional settings, whereas the Executive Chef concentrates on culinary creation and kitchen management in hospitality settings.

What job categories do people searching Culinary Services Director jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Services Director jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Culinary Services Director jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Culinary Services Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Services Director job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Director of Culinary Services

Acts Retirement-Life Communities

Hockessin, DE • On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Acts Retirement-Life Communities rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

Overview
Join our team and grow with us both professionally and personally!
Next day pay: Work today, get paid tomorrow with our PayActiv benefit!
We strongly believe in providing our team members with great benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, scholarship awards, professional development programs, university partnerships, referral and discount programs, appreciation events, wellness initiatives, and much more!
Acts is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Director of Culinary Services position.
In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the culinary program and ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations. The director is empowered to create an unbridled culture and environment that encourages teamwork, pride, and a winning attitude. Responsible for driving recruitment and retention within the department, as well as budgeting and accounting functions.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:
  • Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Business, or Nutrition
  • ServeSafe Certification (preferred)
  • Minimum of five years' leadership experience in a full-service restaurant, catering, healthcare, country club/hotel, or cruise line environment

Team members are eligible for a generous benefit package including health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability programs, 401(k) plan (with 4% company match after one year of employment), paid time off and holidays, and much more! Eligibility may vary based on status.
For more information or to apply, visit us at www.acts-jobs.org and join our Talent Network to receive e-mail alerts with new job opportunities that match your interests!
Acts Retirement-Life Communities is one of the largest not-for-profit owners, operators, and developers of resort-style continuing care senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. The Acts family proudly consists of 28 communities in 9 states, and over 8,500 team members. Acts provides residents with a lifestyle that includes on-campus conveniences, services, and amenities such as casual and fine dining venues, beauty salons, fitness centers, security, healthcare, activity programs, and much more. Our team members are inspired by a culture of Loving-Kindness, and we are fully committed to appreciating the array of backgrounds and talents demonstrated by our team members.
Acts is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Acts is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our hiring process.
Pay Range
$85,933.00 - $104,771.00 / year. Starting rate will vary based on skills and experience.

What Acts Retirement-Life Communities employees say

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About Acts Retirement Life Communities

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acts Retirement-Life Communities is one of the largest not-for-profit owners, operators, and developers of resort-style continuing care senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. The Acts family proudly consists of 28 communities in 9 states, and over 8,500 team members. Acts provides residents with a lifestyle that includes on-campus conveniences, services, and amenities such as casual and fine dining venues, beauty salons, fitness centers, security, healthcare, activity programs, and much more. Our team members are inspired by a culture of Loving-Kindness, and we are fully committed to appreciating the array of backgrounds and talents demonstrated by our team members.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Washington, PA, US

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