GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Culinary Director is responsible for meal planning, compliance, operations, inventory, budget, as well as hiring, training and overseeing staff. This position ensures dietary needs are met for residents; reports directly to the Executive Director and is a full-time exempt position.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Ensures timely daily food service for Memory Care and Assisted Living residents.
- Creates and manages monthly menus for community and off-site events; participates in community programming, marketing and events.
- Oversees food preparation services for sister properties as needed.
- Provides back-up coverage for Cooks, Prep Cooks and Culinary Assistants.
- Follows all food service requirements, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Hires, trains, coaches, schedules and manages kitchen and dining staff.
- Conducts employee reviews to promote job satisfaction, growth and learning opportunities.
- Ensures staff coverage for meals, snack times, and special activities throughout day.
- Responsible for quality, nutritious meals to be properly plated/served at correct temperatures.
- Creates specialized meal programs that meet senior nutrition needs and dietary restrictions.
- Provides a variety of quality food with respect to cultural and religious backgrounds.
- Monitors resident feedback and adjusts menus to match resident preferences.
- Maintains current records/department logs; ensures they are ready for inspection at all times.
- Receives regular consultation and keeps a written record of the visits.
- Manages food purchasing, inventory and financial forecasting.
- Maintains budget and cost controls; manages staff to minimize overtime and maximize efficiency.
- Maintains inventory and supplies of culinary and nonperishables.
- Posts menus in centralized location for residents to view.
- Ensures main and ancillary kitchens, dining areas are clean, sanitary, and inspection ready.
- Maintains health, sanitation, and quality assurance standards.
- Ensures equipment is well maintained, ready for use.
- Maintains confidentiality per residents and families; participates in staff meetings and training programs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts/Science, Business/Hospitality Management, preferred.
- Formal Culinary training with five years’ experience in senior living preferred.
- Food Service Management Certificate & Accredited Food Safety Certificate required.
- Five years kitchen management experience overseeing kitchen staff, scheduling and inventory.
- Experience in catering for large group events preferred.
- Effective verbal/written English communication skills; bi/multilingual is a plus!
- Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.
- Certified in first aid, or able to complete certification training.
- Basic knowledge computer skills; email, word processing, and Excel spreadsheets.