Culinary Services Director

Bethesda Senior Living Communities•Maryland Heights, MO

27d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Services Director leads the culinary services department at a senior living community and is responsible for delivering high-quality dining services tailored to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The director plans and implements department operations in cooperation with the Executive Director, maintains standards for menu planning and food service, manages food costs and purchasing, and oversees culinary staff. The role also supports a safe, clean, welcoming dining environment and positive relationships with residents, families, staff, vendors, and guests. This is a full-time position in a restaurant-style kitchen with heat, steam, and cold temperatures. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with weekends required as needed for special events and occasional department coverage. Duties are fast-paced and follow strict schedules.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent, with additional education or training in resident care techniques, including nutritional monitoring and assessment, general nutrition, food production and service, sanitation and safety, and management.
Appropriate health certificate as required by local, state, and federal health departments.
Knowledge of and skill in operating all kitchen equipment.
Excellent organizational, motivational, and leadership skills.
Genuine compassion for elderly and disabled people.
Ability to work independently without direct supervision while following policies, procedures, and guidelines and using sound judgment and common sense.
Ability to maintain a pleasant manner in a stressful and demanding work environment and manage stress constructively, seeking assistance from the Administrator as needed.
Current driver’s license and compliance with Bethesda’s Auto Policy.
Ability to read and follow directions and recipes.
Ability to lift and carry at least 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally, and perform a full range of reaching abilities.
Ability to stir, sift, cut, slice, reach, bend, stand for long periods, and walk between the kitchen and dining room while carrying trays, plates, silverware, and accessories.

Responsibilities

Create, plan, and implement culinary services department functions in cooperation with the Executive Director.
Maintain high standards for menu planning, food purchasing, storage, preparation, service, sanitation, and inventory.
Follow budget guidelines and seek ways to improve food costs without compromising quality or customer service.
Prepare invoices for payment.
Recruit, interview, hire, evaluate, coach, and terminate employees according to community procedures.
Orient, train, and supervise culinary services personnel.
Conduct in-service education for culinary services staff and health services staff as required or needed.
Interview residents about menu likes and dislikes and evaluate nutritional changes on an ongoing basis.
Meet stock trucks and check deliveries.
Modify meal quantities and content to accommodate residents’ food preferences and requirements.
Maintain accurate staffing schedules and cover shifts resulting from call-offs.
Establish, revise, and maintain current job duty sheets for culinary services employees.
Maintain positive customer service relationships and demonstrate honesty and integrity.
Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment in compliance with applicable laws and community policies and procedures.
Represent the department at community and Resident Council meetings, listen to suggestions, and follow up as appropriate.
Communicate information to other department staff.
Handle chemicals safely according to policies, procedures, and MSDS.
Protect resident confidentiality and support residents’ rights.
Maintain required professional dress and ensure staff wear appropriate uniforms.
Foster a positive, nurturing environment for residents, families, vendors, and guests.
Directly supervise all culinary services staff.