Culinary Director

About Highmark Senior Living

Highmark Senior Living is a senior living property management company based in West Des Moines, IA. Highmark oversees the daily operations and general management services for Edencrest communities in Central Iowa. As a leading senior living property manager, our focus is on providing excellent care, innovative life experiences and elevated management services for all our communities.

Core Values/Mission Statement

At Highmark Senior Living, our core belief is quality care and services start here. We understand choosing the right senior living community can be an immense decision. The support a loved one receives begins with trusted professionals who display loyalty to residents, a sense of pride in community and cherish relationships at the highest regard. Seniors and their loved ones can count on Highmark where they will experience comfort and freedom. Our core values are: Commitment to Care, Value, Innovative Living & Vibrant Communities and we look forward to welcoming you into our Highmark family.

Job Summary

The Director of Culinary is responsible for the excellence of the dining experience at their community. This individual also participates as a member of a team who operates the dining room, kitchen, and interactions with residents, families, and staff in coordination of the dining experience. This person also provides structure and director for the culinary team while complying with state and federal guidelines, as well as the best dining experience possible.

Essential Functions

• Make outstanding food while following menus, recipes, and preferences of regulatory requirements and individual preferences.
• Manage the dining room, atmosphere, and overall experience.
• Provides daily, weekly, monthly cleaning logs.
• Ensures all required logs are kept to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Clean, maintain and ensure that dishes, kitchen, and all equipment are sanitary and in good working order.
• Maintain sanitation in all areas and in accordance with best practices.
• Comply with regulations regarding hair covering and hand protection during food preparation.
• Attend all staff in-services or mandatory meetings.
• Follow all Policies & Procedures and the Employee Handbook.
• Uphold confidentiality of residents and other protected PHI.
• Maintain freezer inventory and rotation.
• Supervise food requisitions and delivery.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, and sanitation while conducting duties.
• Provide oversight and supervision of the dining area to enhance the dining experience, promote resident safety, and ensure quality food product.
• Comply with all state regulations as they apply to Assisted Living.

Skills and Experience

• Outstanding customer services skills and leadership potential.
• Passionate about great tasting food and elegant service.
• Able to be coachable to receive instruction and correction.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Able to function as a team both a team lead or front line servant.

Required Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a passion for great food preparation, taste, and presentation.
• Two year’s related experience related to culinary or can demonstrate a high aptitude for food and kitchen management.

EEO