Director of Culinary Services (Senior Living)

Discovery Senior Living

$80K — $88K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of leadership experience in high-volume culinary settings
  • Hands-on kitchen operation experience including cooking and overseeing staff
  • Valid Food Safety Certification
  • Strong understanding of sanitation and food handling practices
  • Experience in menu engineering and vendor management
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily culinary operations and participate in meal preparation
  • Plan and execute menus tailored to resident dietary needs
  • Monitor food quality and presentation, implementing improvements as necessary
  • Ensure compliance with all sanitation and safety standards
  • Conduct food safety audits and quality assurance checks
  • Oversee purchasing and inventory control processes
  • Manage budgets and take corrective actions on costs

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Opportunities for paid training and career growth
  • Wellness-related benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support
Full Job Description


As Director of Culinary Services, you'll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day.

Your Role:

As the Director of Culinary Services, your role includes providing both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership of the Culinary Services Department. This includes responsibility for menu planning, staffing, food quality, safety, and budget performance. You'll play a vital role in resident satisfaction by creating memorable dining experiences while ensuring operational excellence.

Position Highlights:
  • Community Name: Discovery Village Stuart
  • Status: Full-Time
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday with flexibility for holidays, special events, evenings as needed, and Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities
  • Location: Stuart, FL 34997
  • Rate of Pay: Starting at $80,000 Base Salary + 10% Annual Bonus

What You'll Do:
  • Lead daily culinary operations while participating in meal preparation and service
  • Plan and execute menus that meet resident dietary guidelines and preferences
  • Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation; implement improvements as needed
  • Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and dietary standards
  • Conduct food safety audits and quality assurance checks
  • Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor contracts
  • Manage budgets, monitor costs, and take corrective action when needed
  • Manage, recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate culinary staff
  • Lead orientation and in-service training programs for team members
  • Engage with residents during mealtimes to ensure satisfaction and resolve concerns
  • Collaborate with Executive Director and department heads to align food services with community goals

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships)
  • Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking and staff oversight
  • Food Safety Certification required
  • Strong knowledge of sanitation, food handling, and loss prevention practices
  • Culinary training or certification preferred
  • Experience with menu engineering, cost controls, and vendor management
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems
  • Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus-but only if paired with demonstrated high service standards
  • Ability to work in kitchen environments
  • Oversight of food safety audits and inspections
  • Exposure to high-pressure operational deadlines
  • Ability to lift or assist with kitchen operations as needed
  • Participation in rotating on-call schedule or Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities required

Benefits You'll Enjoy

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and career growth opportunities, wellness-related benefits, and additional support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

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