Director of Culinary Development

Immanuel • Omaha, NE

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Culinary Development provides strategic leadership for culinary operations across all Immanuel service lines, driving excellence, innovation, and consistency in the dining experience. This corporate leadership role is responsible for designing and implementing forward-thinking culinary programs, cultivating and developing culinary leaders, ensuring exceptional food quality and dining experiences for senior residents, and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory standards. Working collaboratively with executive leadership, culinary teams, and vendor partners, the Director of Culinary Development advances Immanuel's commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and dining services that enhance resident satisfaction and well-being. This position plays a critical role in shaping the organization's culinary vision while fostering a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and service innovation. This position supports and exemplifies Immanuel's Mission and CHRIST Promises in all aspects of leadership and service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Hotel/Restaurant Management or Administration, Food Science or related field is required.
• Eight (8) years of culinary, food service, or related experience is required.
• Five (5) years of supervisory/management experience with increasing responsibility.
• ServeSafe Certification is required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Dietary Manager is preferred.
• Equivalent years of experience may substitute for education requirement.
• Multi-site operations management experience is preferred.
• Experience or knowledge in healthcare or senior living services is preferred.
• Equivalent years of education may substitute for experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the menu planning, recipe development, and food preparation processes to ensure a diverse, nutritious, and appealing dining experience for residents.
• Assist with the culinary vision and strategy, aligning with the overall goals and objectives of the senior living community.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote culinary offerings, develop promotional materials, and organize special events or themed meals.
• Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures for Culinary Operations.
• Evaluate and select food and equipment vendors, lead cost negotiations and maintain standardization for contracts, while maintaining strong relationships to ensure quality products and services at competitive prices.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new culinary techniques, and dietary requirements for seniors, and incorporate them into menu planning and culinary operations.
• Collaborate with the executive team to create and manage the culinary budget, including cost control measures and vendor negotiations.
• Oversee any renovation or new capital projects related to culinary operations.
• Set standards for development and education of kitchen and dining staff members.
• Provide guidance and support/coaching as needed, in collaboration with the Regional Culinary GM, to enhance/improve managerial skills of team members.
• Lead and mentor the culinary team, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure high standards of food quality and service.
• Foster positive relationships with residents, their families, and staff, actively seeking feedback and implementing changes to enhance the dining experience.
• Monitor and analyze customer satisfaction metrics, dining trends, and resident feedback, implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Provide input and/or support with community challenges.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations, ensuring a safe and clean environment in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Create and implement Food Standard Operating procedures.
• Work in collaboration with all departments at Home Office to ensure compliance with all Immanuel and regulatory policies.
• Collaborate and assists with Special Events (Community and Home Office).
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off - accruing from day one of employment
• Floating Holidays
• Paid Holidays
• 8 hours of Volunteer Time Off per year
• 401K with employer match
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program
• Advancement opportunities (as appropriate) – we look to grow from within our organization
• Education Assistance Program – we invest up to $5,250 per year for education assistance paid up front

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director