Chef - Dietary Operations Manager
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $20.00 - $35.00
Work Schedule
On-call
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Training and Development
Employee wellness programs
Job Description
Our facility is a reputable long-term care and skilled nursing establishment dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to residents. We specialize in creating a supportive environment that enhances the health, safety, and overall quality of life for seniors and individuals requiring rehabilitation or specialized care. Our experienced team is committed to upholding the highest standards in all areas, including dietary services, to ensure resident satisfaction and well-being. We emphasize collaboration across interdisciplinary teams to foster holistic care approaches, with a strong focus on nutrition and personalized dietary management.
The Chef / Dietary Operations Manager serves as a pivotal member of our dietary services department, reporting directly to the Food Service Director. This non-exempt position is responsible for managing all back-of-house culinary activities within the facility, ensuring that every meal meets stringent quality, nutritional, and safety standards. The role requires a blend of culinary expertise, leadership capability, and regulatory knowledge to oversee the preparation and delivery of meals tailored to individual resident dietary needs, therapeutic requirements, and physician orders.
In this role, the Culinary Operations Manager will develop and implement recipes, oversee kitchen workflow, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations such as CMS and OSHA. They are tasked with supervising kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance evaluations, fostering a culture centered on teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
Additionally, the Manager will handle inventory control and budgeting for food and supplies, aiming to minimize waste while maintaining cost effectiveness. Coordination with the Registered Dietitian and interdisciplinary teams ensures residents’ dietary needs are met, including accommodations for allergies, cultural preferences, and special diets. The Manager plays an active role in addressing resident concerns related to food services and contributes to quality improvement initiatives.
This position demands physical stamina due to its active kitchen environment, requiring standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and exposure to varying temperatures. Work schedules may sometimes include weekends, holidays, and on-call duties, reflecting the ongoing commitment to resident care.
Overall, this Chef / Dietary Operations Manager role is essential in enhancing the dining experience and nutritional health of residents in a long-term care setting through skilled culinary management, adherence to food safety, and proactive team leadership. The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents’ well-being while career development is supported by continuous compliance with safety certifications and culinary standards.
The Chef / Dietary Operations Manager serves as a pivotal member of our dietary services department, reporting directly to the Food Service Director. This non-exempt position is responsible for managing all back-of-house culinary activities within the facility, ensuring that every meal meets stringent quality, nutritional, and safety standards. The role requires a blend of culinary expertise, leadership capability, and regulatory knowledge to oversee the preparation and delivery of meals tailored to individual resident dietary needs, therapeutic requirements, and physician orders.
In this role, the Culinary Operations Manager will develop and implement recipes, oversee kitchen workflow, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations such as CMS and OSHA. They are tasked with supervising kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance evaluations, fostering a culture centered on teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
Additionally, the Manager will handle inventory control and budgeting for food and supplies, aiming to minimize waste while maintaining cost effectiveness. Coordination with the Registered Dietitian and interdisciplinary teams ensures residents’ dietary needs are met, including accommodations for allergies, cultural preferences, and special diets. The Manager plays an active role in addressing resident concerns related to food services and contributes to quality improvement initiatives.
This position demands physical stamina due to its active kitchen environment, requiring standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and exposure to varying temperatures. Work schedules may sometimes include weekends, holidays, and on-call duties, reflecting the ongoing commitment to resident care.
Overall, this Chef / Dietary Operations Manager role is essential in enhancing the dining experience and nutritional health of residents in a long-term care setting through skilled culinary management, adherence to food safety, and proactive team leadership. The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents’ well-being while career development is supported by continuous compliance with safety certifications and culinary standards.
Job Requirements
- Culinary degree preferred
- servsafe manager certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
- minimum of 3 years of culinary leadership experience
- prior supervisory experience required
- ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- ability to work in hot, cold, and humid kitchen environments
- ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions
Job Qualifications
- Culinary degree preferred
- equivalent culinary training and experience considered
- ServSafe Manager Certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
- minimum of 3 years of culinary leadership experience
- experience in healthcare, long-term care, senior living, rehabilitation, or institutional food service preferred
- prior supervisory experience required
- knowledge of therapeutic diets and nutrition principles
- strong understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations
- ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- proficiency in inventory management, budgeting, and staff scheduling
- ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, healthcare professionals, and staff
Job Duties
- Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of meals in accordance with approved menus, therapeutic diets, and physician orders
- ensure meals are prepared and served in a timely, consistent, and attractive manner
- monitor food quality, taste, presentation, and portion control
- develop and implement recipes and production standards that support resident satisfaction and nutritional goals
- direct and supervise all kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, storage, and sanitation
- schedule, train, coach, and evaluate dietary and kitchen staff
- ensure adequate staffing levels to meet operational needs
- foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and customer service
- maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS, OSHA, health department, and food safety standards
- ensure adherence to infection prevention and sanitation protocols
- conduct routine kitchen inspections and implement corrective actions as needed
- maintain accurate records related to food temperatures, sanitation logs, and food safety requirements
- manage food and supply inventories to minimize waste and control costs
- order food, supplies, and equipment within budget guidelines
- monitor food costs and labor expenses and implement cost-control measures
- verify deliveries and maintain proper inventory records
- collaborate with the Registered Dietitian and interdisciplinary team to meet residents' nutritional needs
- accommodate special diets, food allergies, and cultural preferences
- respond to resident and family concerns regarding food service
- participate in resident council meetings and quality improvement initiatives as needed
- ensure kitchen equipment is maintained in safe working condition
- report equipment issues and coordinate repairs when necessary
- maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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