Culinary Director

Vernon Terrace of Edina is a vibrant senior living community conveniently located near public transportation stops and close to the cities of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Southwest Minneapolis. This establishment is part of Ebenezer, a respected organization dedicated to providing exceptional care and support for seniors. Vernon Terrace offers a full continuum of senior living options including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, making it a comprehensive choice for residents seeking supportive, engaging, and respectful environments as they age.

The community prides itself on combining elegant amenities with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Residents benefit from a wide range of services designed to enrich their lives and promote well-being. The care team at Vernon Terrace is driven by Ebenezer's mission to heal, discover, and educate, ensuring that every resident enjoys a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life. The community fosters a strong sense of belonging, social interaction, and personalized care, targeting the unique needs of each individual.

The role of Culinary Director at Vernon Terrace of Edina is a critical leadership position within the organization. This full-time role encompasses managing all dining service operations to ensure meals are prepared and served in line with regulatory standards and the expectations of residents and their families. The Culinary Director plays an integral part in shaping residents’ daily dining experiences by overseeing menu planning, food preparation, and inventory management. They lead the culinary team with a focus on maintaining high standards of quality, sanitation, and resident satisfaction.

The schedule for this role includes working 80 hours every two weeks with weekends as needed, requiring flexibility and dedication. As Culinary Director, the individual will be responsible for following corporate menus, managing food and supplies budgets, and planning menus for upcoming weeks. They also ensure that food is prepared using proper sanitation and handling techniques, that all dietary needs are accommodated, and kitchen and storage areas are kept clean and orderly.

Leadership responsibilities include hiring, training, and supervising dining staff, providing ongoing performance feedback, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a positive team environment. Additionally, the role involves promoting positive resident relations by maintaining a clean and inviting dining area, engaging with residents, soliciting feedback, and responding professionally to any concerns. The Culinary Director also coordinates special events and ensures that all texturized diets are prepared within the framework of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI).

This position requires a Food Protection Manager Certification issued by an ANAB-CFP accredited program and must be issued by the State of Minnesota for locations within the state. The ideal candidate will possess 1-3 years of experience, strong performance management skills, and a working knowledge of Microsoft applications. Preferred qualifications include an Associate of Applied Science Vocational/Technical Training or Associate Degree in Food Service and certification as a Dietary Manager.

Compensation for the Culinary Director position ranges from $30.12 to $41.35 hourly and includes a generous benefits package. Benefits encompass medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, sick and safe time, tuition reimbursement, retirement plans, and early access to earned wages. Vernon Terrace is committed to pay equity and internal equity across its team members. This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced, motivated culinary professional who is passionate about senior care and culinary excellence, and who values a collaborative and supportive workplace environment.