Associate Director- Culinary Programs-Food & Nutrition Services

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned institution dedicated to comprehensive cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Recognized globally for its commitment to innovative treatment and patient-centered care, MD Anderson Cancer Center offers an outstanding environment for professionals passionate about advancing health sciences and delivering exceptional services. As a leading healthcare institution, MD Anderson continuously strives to integrate multidisciplinary approaches to improve outcomes and pioneer breakthroughs in oncology. Their focus extends beyond direct patient care to include wellness initiatives, advanced research facilities, and educational programs that foster medical and scientific advancement.

MD Anderson is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Director of Culinary Programs to support the Food & Nutrition Services Administration. This full-time, regular position is based onsite with a typical work schedule of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flexibility as needed. The salary range for this role is competitive, starting at $106,500 and going up to $159,500, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this leadership position.

The Associate Director of Culinary Programs will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the culinary strategy within both patient and retail dining services. This position is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and team leadership while supporting MD Anderson’s mission to provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality food programs aligned with clinical nutrition standards and organizational goals. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of innovative culinary practices that enhance patient satisfaction and overall dining experiences.

Key responsibilities of the role include defining culinary vision and menu standards, standardizing recipes with attention to allergens and nutrients, collaborating with clinical nutrition and wellness teams to validate menu cycles, and managing procurement and vendor relationships to ensure product quality. The role requires comprehensive oversight of food safety, sanitation, allergen controls, and infection prevention protocols, along with maintaining survey readiness through audits and inspections.

In addition to culinary strategy, the Associate Director will oversee in-house food manufacturing operations, build production plans with quality checkpoints, monitor key performance indicators like labor efficiency and cost control, and participate in budget planning and financial forecasting. A crucial component of this role involves leadership in talent development, recruitment, mentoring, and fostering a collaborative cultural environment that prioritizes cross-training and succession planning.

Preferred candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel or Restaurant Management, Institutional Management, Culinary Management, Food and Nutrition, or a closely related field, with a Master’s degree regarded favorably. Candidates should have extensive management experience—at least 7 years—in food service environments such as healthcare, hospitality, or food manufacturing. Certification as a Certified Executive Chef and proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software are highly desirable, further strengthening a candidate’s fit for this critical role.

This leadership opportunity is perfectly suited for a culinary professional passionate about integrating food service excellence with patient-centered healthcare. MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a supportive and mission-driven workplace that emphasizes growth, innovation, and work-life balance. By joining this institution, the Associate Director of Culinary Programs will impact patient care quality while advancing culinary services in an environment known for excellence in cancer treatment and research.