Culinary Manager

Salem of Cascadia • Salem, OR

4d

About The Position

Salem Transitional Care is seeking an experienced, motivated Culinary Manager to lead the Culinary Department. The manager oversees the department’s day-to-day operations and works closely with the Registered Dietitian and facility leadership to provide high-quality meals that meet residents’ preferences and nutritional needs. The role includes leading and developing employees, maintaining safe and compliant food-service operations, managing supplies and budgets, and promoting a positive, resident-centered dining experience.

The ideal candidate is an organized, dependable leader with food-service operations knowledge and the ability to work effectively with residents, families, employees, and facility leadership. Healthcare, skilled nursing, long-term care, or senior-living food-service experience is preferred.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of safe food preparation, sanitation, and food handling practices.
• Knowledge of basic nutrition and therapeutic diets.
• Experience with quantity food production and food-service operations.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to train, motivate, and manage employees effectively.
• Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with residents, families, employees, and facility leadership.
• ServSafe Food Safety Certification required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must hold at least one applicable credential or certification: Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP), Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR), or certification through the American Culinary Federation.
• Minimum of two years of experience in large-quantity food preparation required.
• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in dietetic technology, dietetics, culinary arts, foodservice management, or a related field.
• Food Handler's Permit, if required by state regulations.
• Experience in healthcare, skilled nursing, long-term care, or senior-living food service.
• Six months of experience in a long-term care environment.
• One year of experience with therapeutic diet preparation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, train, and support Culinary Department employees.
• Develop staff schedules and maintain appropriate staffing based on resident needs and facility census.
• Oversee food preparation, meal service, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Ensure meals follow resident preferences, therapeutic diets, menus, and standardized recipes.
• Partner with the Registered Dietitian to review menus, diet orders, resident preferences, and nutritional needs.
• Conduct meal rounds and gather feedback from residents, families, and staff.
• Manage food, supply, and equipment ordering while monitoring departmental expenses and budget needs.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company standards.
• Participate in surveys, quality improvement programs, and facility committees as needed.
• Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate Culinary Department employees.
• Maintain strong communication with facility leadership and other departments.
• Keep kitchen and dining operations clean, organized, safe, and resident-focused.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Supportive leadership and team environment.
• Employee training and development.
• A rewarding opportunity to make a difference in residents’ lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED