Director of Culinary Services

Peaceful Pines Senior Living - Mitchell•Mitchell, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Culinary Services leads the dining experience across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, providing culinary leadership, operational excellence, and cultural stewardship. This role ensures that dining is not only nutritious and safe, but also meaningful, engaging, and reflective of each resident's preferences, traditions, and lifestyle. Living Life Together, the Director of Culinary Services creates an environment where meals are moments of connection, comfort, and joy. By blending culinary expertise with hospitality and person-centered care, this leader ensures residents feel at home, respected, and valued through every dining experience. The Director of Culinary Services is responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, team development, and regulatory compliance while championing a culture where food nourishes both body and spirit.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience.
Hands-on food preparation experience, including institutional or batch cooking.
Comprehensive knowledge of food trends, menu planning, production, sanitation, and food cost control.
Experience in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare dining strongly preferred.
SERV Safe certification required (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
Person-centered and hospitality-driven approach to dining services.
Ability to connect culinary excellence with resident experience and engagement.
Leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Strong organizational and operational management abilities.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
Creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail.
Commitment to mission-driven culture and meaningful resident experiences.

Responsibilities

Oversee all dining services to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing, and aligned with resident preferences and dietary needs.
Develop and implement menus that reflect resident tastes, cultural traditions, and seasonal variety while meeting nutritional and regulatory standards.
Partner with a Registered Dietitian to ensure dietary needs are met and continuously improved.
Maintain and develop standardized recipes to ensure consistency, quality, and ease of preparation.
Ensure snacks and hydration options are consistently available and support resident wellness.
Honor resident choice by adapting offerings based on feedback, preferences, and evolving needs.
Promote dining as an essential component of dignity, independence, and daily enjoyment.
Foster a dining environment that encourages connection, conversation, and community.
Lead efforts to make dining an engaging and meaningful experience-not just meal service.
Partner with Life Enrichment and Operations teams to support special events, celebrations, and themed dining experiences.
Actively engage with residents during meals to build relationships and understand their preferences.
Conduct and lead monthly food committee meetings, ensuring resident voices shape the dining experience.
Ensure dining services support residents' independence, routines, and personal choices.
Create moments of joy, comfort, and familiarity through food presentation, service, and atmosphere.
Reinforce that excellent dining and exceptional resident experience are inseparable.
Lead, mentor, and develop kitchen staff through coaching, training, and daily support.
Oversee hiring, scheduling, and performance management for culinary team members.
Promote a positive, collaborative work environment focused on teamwork, respect, and accountability.
Provide ongoing training in food safety, culinary skills, customer service, and person-centered dining.
Ensure staff understand their role in creating meaningful resident experiences- not just preparing meals.
Encourage professional growth, engagement, and pride in service.
Uphold high standards for staff appearance, professionalism, and hospitality.
Oversee purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relationships to ensure quality and efficiency.
Manage food and supply costs through effective planning, waste reduction, and responsible resource utilization.
Monitor food production to prevent overproduction, waste, and improper use of leftovers in accordance with guidelines.
Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of food and supplies.
Maintain equipment and kitchen operations for efficiency and safety.
Support budget adherence while maintaining high-quality dining experiences.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local health, sanitation, and safety regulations.
Maintain readiness for inspections and audits; lead corrective actions when needed.
Conduct routine inspections to ensure cleanliness, sanitation, food quality, and safety standards.
Implement and monitor food safety protocols, including proper handling, preparation, and storage.
Ensure accurate documentation related to dietary services and compliance.
Report and address incidents in accordance with company policy.
Partner with nursing and care teams to ensure dietary needs, restrictions, and changes are communicated and implemented.
Coordinate meal planning and accommodations for residents with specialized diets or changing conditions.
Support special events, family gatherings, and community functions with high-quality culinary service.
Build relationships with residents, families, and team members to enhance satisfaction and trust.
Communicate openly with leadership regarding opportunities for improvement or innovation.
Must comply with all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Must maintain confidentiality of resident and organizational information.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays as needed.
Participate in meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and service standards.