Director of Culinary Services

Dow Rummel Village•Sioux Falls, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Culinary Services is a hospitality-minded leader responsible for guiding a comprehensive culinary program that serves residents, families, guests, and team members across multiple dining and service environments. This role provides strategic oversight of licensed care meal production, dining services, market/deli operations, catering, and special events while ensuring an exceptional resident and guest experience. The Director balances culinary quality, service excellence, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and team development to create a welcoming, responsive, and high-performing dining program that supports Dow Rummel Village’s mission, values, and commitment to extraordinary senior care.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in culinary, hospitality, hotel, restaurant, senior living, healthcare, catering, or multi-outlet food service operations, with at least 3 years in management.
Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and applicable state and federal regulations; experience in licensed care, healthcare, or senior living food service preferred.
Excellent organizational, time-management, hospitality, guest service, and service recovery skills.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Possess the ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with employees, residents, family members, visitors, vendors, and the general public while modeling a welcoming hospitality mindset.

Nice To Haves

Preferred CDM, CFM, or related culinary, hospitality, food service management, or ServSafe certification; not required if equivalent leadership experience is demonstrated.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall culinary and hospitality operations plan, including budgeting, purchasing, staffing alignment, vendor coordination, cost control, and waste reduction across all food service venues.
Lead a hospitality-focused service culture across licensed care production, dining services, market/deli operations, catering, and special events, ensuring each area delivers a consistent resident and guest experience.
Establish and maintain service standards for food quality, presentation, timeliness, cleanliness, hospitality behaviors, and service recovery across all culinary venues.
Develop, implement, and monitor Culinary Services policies, procedures, and service standards that support hospitality excellence while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Oversee the market/deli and retail-style food service experience, including product mix, merchandising, quality, resident and guest preferences, sales performance, and cost control.
Provide leadership and coordination for catering services, smaller-style events, campus gatherings, and special functions.
Partner with residents, families, team members, and campus leaders to gather feedback, resolve concerns, and continuously improve the dining and hospitality experience.
Monitor food preparation, cooking methods, presentation, production standards, and service timing.
Provide training to ensure Culinary Services staff deliver excellent hospitality.
Collaborate with other departments to support resident needs, campus events, service coordination, and a seamless hospitality experience.
Ensure licensed care dining and meal production meet resident-specific nutrition needs, diet orders, texture modifications, documentation expectations, and regulatory standards.

Benefits

Affordable Medical Plans – Choose from multiple options, including a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with full preventive coverage and low premiums.
Generous HSA Contributions – Receive $100/month from Dow Rummel (that’s $1,200/year!) to use for medical expenses now or later.
Dental & Vision Insurance – Low-cost coverage options through Delta Dental and VSP with free preventive services.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) – Tax-free options to cover health and dependent care expenses.
403(b) Retirement Plan with Match – Dollar-for-dollar match up to 4%, with immediate eligibility and long-term vesting.
Life & AD&D Insurance – $40,000 employer–paid life insurance.
Voluntary Coverage Options – Access to Aflac for critical illness, accident, cancer, and short-term disability insurance.
Pet Insurance – Nationwide coverage available for your furry family members.
BetterHelp Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential counseling and support for you and your family.
Scholarship Opportunities – Apply for financial support toward certifications and degree programs that support your career development.
Several opportunities to get involved in committees.
Employee Referral Program
Good Grades Bonus – Extra dollars for good grades for those who are in high school and/or secondary school.
Free wellness membership (in-house pool and facility).