Director Culinary Development Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Position: Dining Services Director

About Cedarhurst:

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• At Cedarhurst, we go beyond the standard benefits program to recognize and support our team. Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Points—a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication. You’ll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more!

Position Summary:

The Dining Services Director, reporting directly to the Executive Director, is responsible for leading all aspects of the community’s dining program, ensuring residents, families, and guests consistently receive nutritious, high-quality meals and exceptional hospitality. This leadership role manages and develops the dining services team, oversees daily kitchen and dining operations, and partners with vendors, community leadership, and regional dining leadership to maintain compliance with food safety, infection control, and budgetary standards. Furthermore, this position requires regular flexibility between cook and server responsibilities. In addition to directing menu planning, food preparation, and special events, the Dining Services Director plays a vital role in enhancing resident satisfaction, supporting marketing initiatives, and fostering a positive, service-oriented culture throughout the community.

Essential Functions:

• Supervises 10-15 employees in the day-to-day presentation of dining services developed specifically for seniors.
• Schedule staff on an ongoing basis and provide coverage when unable to find necessary staff coverage.
• Maintain good communication with all vendors, community leadership, and regional dining services team.
• Support all catering, room service, special party needs, marketing functions, etc.
• Responsible for maintaining, ordering, and accounting for food inventories necessary to complete duties and keeping food and supply costs within budget.
• Instruct all employees on the operation, maintenance, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment.
• Exhibit thorough knowledge of all food service positions and provide hands-on training to staff.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining services shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs.
• Create recipes that are easy for dietary staff to follow.
• Handle food in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Recruit, orientate, and hire new dining service staff.
• Assist Executive Director with monthly staff in-service meetings as requested and on committees as appointed.
• Assist with Sales/Marketing procedures to develop and enhance satisfaction levels, as well as participate in resident sales, tours and community needs when required.
• Securely manage company credit card and file receipts in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly.
• Utilize basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst guidelines for infection control.
• Remains current and up to date with all food safety licensing requirements for FDA, state, county, and local authorities along with ensuring all guidelines are adhered to.
• Work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
• Create and manage the department schedule through the Attendance on Demand platform to ensure adequate coverage according to the labor budget and ensure all key AOD expectations and guidelines are consistently met.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree with culinary training OR 3-5 years of culinary experience required.
• Applicable state/county licensure required.
• Food Manager Certification, or ability to obtain, is required.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred.
• Previous staff management and/or coaching and mentoring of dining services team experience is preferred.
• Experience in a senior living community is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word), web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and any HR-related systems as applicable.

Working Conditions:

• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
• This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT STATE LAW REQUIRES A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.