Director Culinary Services / Executive Chef

Atria Senior Living • CA-Glendale, CA

4d

About The Position

The Director Culinary Services is responsible for the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community’s kitchen and dining venues. The role manages Culinary Services employees, works to maintain resident and employee satisfaction, and ensures food is prepared and served in accordance with company standards and applicable health codes. The director collaborates with residents, families, community leadership, dining staff, and vendors to provide a high-quality, restaurant-style dining experience.

The position oversees department budgets, purchasing, inventory, equipment, menus, recipes, and food service events. It also supports kitchen and dining-room operations as needed, including working any station, and helps market the community through food-related events and presentations.

Requirements

• Five or more years of culinary experience in the hospitality industry.
• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to resolve problems involving dissatisfied customers or employees.
• Food handler’s permit as required by state law or company standards.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Valid driver’s license if the position’s driving responsibilities apply.
• Satisfactory compliance with company motor vehicle policy standards if driving responsibilities apply.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community’s kitchen and dining venues.
• Supervise Culinary Services staff, including scheduling, assigning and directing work, contributing to performance reviews and pay-adjustment input, hiring, and corrective action in accordance with company policy.
• Meet regularly with residents and family members to maintain high satisfaction levels.
• Work with the restaurant manager or coordinator to support strong customer service and a restaurant-style dining atmosphere.
• Ensure front-of-house and back-of-house staff collaborate to deliver food that exceeds residents’ and guests’ expectations.
• Assist kitchen and restaurant staff with front- and back-of-house operations as needed, including working all stations in the kitchen or dining room.
• Work with the Executive Director and frontline staff to meet or exceed designated customer satisfaction and quality enhancement scores.
• Delegate tasks and maintain high standards of cleanliness and quality in kitchen and restaurant areas.
• Ensure food is prepared, stored, and served according to company standards and state or local health code requirements.
• Maintain employee satisfaction scores at or above designated levels.
• Interview and hire Culinary Services department staff.
• Conduct and participate in monthly department meetings and in-services.
• Understand and maintain monthly and annual department budgets, including written documentation of monthly food, supply, and labor spending.
• Work with staff and residents to plan and develop recipes and menus based on resident preferences and monthly budgets.
• Ensure staff use and maintain equipment properly to avoid damage and costly repairs.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of kitchen supplies, small wares, and tableware.
• Maintain purchasing standards, use appropriate vendors, and build positive vendor relationships.
• Plan, prepare, and execute Engage Life events, special events, banquets, and theme meals.
• Work with the Community Sales Director and community staff to market the community through “Taste of Atria – Road Shows” and “Signature Items.”
• Ensure kitchen and restaurant staff understand company expectations and first-impression requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
• May drive using a company-provided or personal vehicle and must comply with company motor vehicle policy standards.

Benefits

• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
• Annual anniversary rewards may be available to community employees, dependent on classification and location.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with 401(k) employer match.
• Tuition reimbursement for U.S.-based communities.
• Supportive work environment, advancement opportunities, and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

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