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Director Culinary Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Apple Valley Place

Culinary Director

Clear Lake, IA · On-site

The Culinary Director leads all dining operations including menu development, food safety compliance, budget management, team leadership, and resident engagement - while supporting Better Living ...

Apple Valley Place

Culinary Director

Charles City, IA · On-site

The Culinary Director leads all dining operations including menu development, food safety compliance, budget management, team leadership, and resident engagement - while supporting Better Living ...

Sodexo

Culinary Supervisor

Lamoni, IA · On-site

$21.67 - $29.25/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Sodexo

Culinary Supervisor

Lamoni, IA · On-site

$21.67 - $29.25/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

Sodexo

Culinary Supervisor

Lamoni, IA

$21.67 - $29.25/hr

The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... to the operation as well as controls account expenditures and develops short and long term ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... to the operation as well as controls account expenditures and develops short and long term ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... to the operation as well as controls account expenditures and develops short and long term ...

Edgewater

Culinary Director

Pella, IA

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... to the operation as well as controls account expenditures and develops short and long term ...

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All JobsCulinary Operations JobsDirector Culinary Operations JobsDirector Culinary Operations Jobs in Iowa

Director Culinary Operations information

See Iowa salary details

$31.9K

$101.1K

$168.6K

How much do director culinary operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary operations in Iowa is $101,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director culinary operations position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Culinary Operations, you need extensive experience in food service management, menu development, budgeting, and team leadership, typically supported by a culinary degree and progressive supervisory roles. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety certifications (like ServSafe), and proficiency in kitchen equipment and scheduling software are crucial. Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help you lead diverse teams and deliver high-quality guest experiences. These abilities ensure the efficient operation of culinary departments, maintain compliance with industry standards, and drive business success.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a director culinary operations?

A Director Culinary Operations typically oversees multiple kitchen teams, manages food and labor costs, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and develops menus that align with company goals and customer preferences. They often collaborate with executive chefs, vendors, and management to streamline processes and maintain quality standards. Daily tasks also include monitoring inventory, training staff, and troubleshooting operational challenges. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on kitchen oversight is essential for achieving both culinary excellence and operational efficiency.

What is a director culinary operations?

A Director of Culinary Operations oversees the strategic and operational aspects of a food service or hospitality organization. They are responsible for menu development, kitchen efficiency, cost control, quality assurance, and staff management. This role ensures that culinary standards align with brand goals, customer expectations, and industry regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with executive leadership to drive innovation, optimize processes, and enhance profitability.

What are popular job titles related to Director Culinary Operations jobs in Iowa? For Director Culinary Operations jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Operations jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Operations jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Culinary Operations jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Culinary Operations job openings:
Director Culinary Operations jobs near you

Culinary Director

Apple Valley Place

Clear Lake, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.
We're not just a senior living management company-we're a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what's right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.
This is senior living, only better.
Benefits:
  • Compensation:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401 (K) matching
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance programs

Position Summary
The Culinary Director at Better Living is a strategic leader responsible for delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects our 'Expect Better' brand promise. This role goes beyond food production - it is about creating meaningful moments, supporting resident independence, leading with heart, and contributing to occupancy growth through hospitality excellence.
The Culinary Director leads all dining operations including menu development, food safety compliance, budget management, team leadership, and resident engagement - while supporting Better Living's Resident-Led Initiative philosophy and Better Days Memory Care program.
At Better Living, dining is not a department. It is an experience.
Resident Experience & Hospitality Leadership
  • Create a restaurant-style dining experience aligned with Better Living standards.
  • Build meaningful relationships with residents and families.
  • Implement Resident-Led Initiatives including menu input sessions, culinary committees, themed dining events, and resident recipe spotlights.
  • Ensure individualized accommodations for preferences, allergies, therapeutic diets, and cultural needs.
  • Partner with Life Enrichment to integrate food into purposeful programming.
  • Support tour experiences and marketing events to drive occupancy.

Culinary Operations
  • Develop and execute seasonal menus in partnership with approved vendors.
  • Maintain consistency in presentation, portioning, and quality standards.
  • Ensure therapeutic diets are implemented accurately in collaboration with nursing and care teams.
  • Maintain inventory control systems and cost tracking.
  • Oversee kitchen production schedules and staffing coverage.
  • Lead catering for internal events, marketing functions, and family nights.

Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with state assisted living regulations and local health department requirements.
  • Maintain ServSafe certification (or state equivalent).
  • Ensure proper documentation of temperature logs, cleaning schedules, food storage compliance, and diet modifications.
  • Participate in state surveys and respond promptly to any deficiencies.

Financial Accountability
  • Manage food and kitchen labor budget.
  • Maintain target food cost percentages.
  • Monitor waste and implement waste reduction strategies.
  • Participate in monthly budget review with Executive Director.
  • Contribute to NOI improvement through operational efficiency.

Team Leadership
  • Recruit, hire, onboard, and train culinary staff.
  • Promote a culture of accountability and heart-first leadership.
  • Conduct performance reviews and coaching conversations.
  • Maintain staffing levels aligned with occupancy and census.
  • Support cross-department collaboration.

Sales & Occupancy Support
  • Participate in tours when appropriate.
  • Partner with Sales Director and Executive Director for special events.
  • Ensure dining experience supports closing confidence.
  • Provide sample menus and culinary storytelling for marketing use.

Qualifications
  • 3+ years culinary leadership experience (senior living, hospitality, healthcare, or restaurant preferred).
  • Experience managing kitchen staff and food budgets.
  • Knowledge of therapeutic diets preferred.
  • ServSafe Certified (or ability to obtain).
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings/weekends for events.

Core Competencies
  • Hospitality mindset
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Operational discipline
  • Financial acumen
  • Resident-centered service
  • Regulatory awareness
  • Team development

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Exposure to kitchen heat and cleaning chemicals.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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