Director of Culinary

Hillcrest Health • Lincoln, NE

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for an experienced, organized, and service-focused Director of Culinary to lead culinary operations at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln, NE. Hillcrest Firethorn provides a welcoming senior living environment where residents are supported with personalized care, meaningful connections, and enjoyable daily experiences. Our culinary team plays an important role in that experience by providing high-quality meals, thoughtful service, and a dining environment that residents can look forward to each day. At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. As the Director of Culinary, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Culinary Department and Bistro while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, facility policies, dietary requirements, and established quality standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least three years of supervisory experience in a culinary role 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, lifting, and movement as needed.
• Must be flexible and calm when working with residents, families, or team members during stressful situations.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced culinary environment with strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to utilize technology and available resources efficiently and effectively.
• Must maintain knowledge of food safety, sanitation, dietary, and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Previous senior living, healthcare, skilled nursing, or similar food-service experience preferred.
• At least one year of experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Certified Dietary Manager credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operations of the Culinary Department and Bistro.
• Ensure culinary operations remain compliant with federal and state regulations and facility policies.
• Maintain accurate records related to department expenses, food costs, inventory, and other budgeted accounts.
• Monitor department spending and help ensure expenses remain within established budget parameters.
• Develop and implement training programs to keep culinary team members informed of best practices, regulatory changes, and facility policies.
• Lead team meetings and other education or training opportunities.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen sanitation and ensure compliance with regulatory and facility requirements.
• Oversee resident and patient dietary care planning, including MDS and other required documentation.
• Develop and maintain the CBORD dietary software system.
• Ensure menu cycles meet established dietary requirements.
• Oversee preparation of menu items and ensure food quality, appearance, presentation, and prescribed diet orders are consistently met.
• Provide leadership and direction to culinary team members.
• Evaluate departmental needs and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and service.
• Assist the Administrator in determining staffing needs.
• Participate in team member performance evaluations.
• Make recommendations regarding hiring, compensation adjustments, and terminations.
• Review departmental policies, procedures, manuals, and job descriptions at least annually.
• Recommend and support changes to improve department operations.
• Stay current on culinary, dietary, and regulatory best practices.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with community leadership, nursing, and other departments to support the resident experience.
• Assist with additional leadership responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Supportive community and operational leadership.
• Multiple health insurance plan options for eligible team members.
• Vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Professional development support, including continuing education, certifications, and career-growth opportunities.
• Dayforce Wallet, allowing you to choose when you get paid.
• Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a dedicated culinary team.
• Opportunity to influence resident satisfaction, quality, and operational performance.
• Career-growth opportunities within a mission-driven senior care organization.

What This Job Offers

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