Director of Culinary

Hillcrest Health • Omaha, NE

14d • Onsite

About The Position

Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for an experienced, organized, and service-focused Culinary Director to lead the culinary department at Hillcrest Millard in Omaha, NE. Hillcrest Millard is West Omaha’s premier destination for post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care. This state-of-the-art community combines innovative therapy, exceptional hospitality, private accommodations, and quality care to help guests and residents recover, maintain independence, and feel supported in a welcoming environment. At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. As the Culinary Director, you will play an important leadership role in creating a dining experience that supports resident satisfaction, quality care, nutrition, compliance, and a positive team culture.

Requirements

• At least three years of supervisory experience in a culinary role required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least three years of culinary supervisory experience required.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
• Must be able to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must be able to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, walking, reaching, and movement as needed.
• Must be flexible, calm, and professional in stressful or changing situations.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to utilize technology, dietary systems, kitchen equipment, and department resources efficiently and effectively.
• Must be able to follow sanitation, infection-control, food safety, and regulatory expectations.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Dietary Manager strongly preferred.
• Skilled nursing facility experience strongly preferred.
• At least one year of experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of culinary operations, dietary standards, sanitation, food safety, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience managing food costs, inventory, department records, and budget expectations.
• Ability to lead, coach, train, and support culinary team members.
• Strong critical thinking, planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative and implement department objectives that support positive outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail with menus, diet orders, documentation, sanitation, and presentation.
• A calm, flexible, and professional approach in a fast-paced environment.
• A service-focused mindset and commitment to creating a positive dining experience for residents and guests.
• Certified Dietary Manager required; strongly preferred for consideration.
• Skilled nursing facility, healthcare culinary, or senior living experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations with a focus on food quality, service, sanitation, compliance, and resident satisfaction.
• Maintain current records for department expenditures, food costs, inventory, and expense accounts.
• Monitor department spending and help ensure expenses remain within budgeted amounts.
• Develop and implement training programs to keep team members informed of best practices, regulatory changes, and facility expectations.
• Lead team meetings and support ongoing education for culinary team members.
• Ensure kitchen sanitation is maintained in compliance with federal and state regulations and facility policies.
• Support patient and resident care planning, including MDS and required documentation.
• Develop and maintain the nutritional software system, including CBORD and menu cycles that meet dietary criteria.
• Oversee preparation of menu items and ensure food quality, appearance, presentation, and diet-order accuracy.
• Partner with the Administrator on department staffing, team member performance, hiring, terminations, and wage or salary recommendations.
• Review department policies, procedure manuals, job descriptions, and related materials at least annually.
• Recommend changes that improve department operations, team performance, resident satisfaction, and quality outcomes.
• Model professionalism, organization, follow-through, and a service-focused approach with residents, guests, families, and team members.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Multiple health insurance plan options.
• Vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Professional development support, including tuition reimbursement, certifications, and career-growth programs.
• Dayforce Wallet, allowing you to choose when you get paid.
• Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
• Opportunities to grow within a mission-driven senior care organization.

What This Job Offers

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