Culinary Lead

SeniorAge is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to serving older adults in the community by providing essential support services and programs that promote independence and enhance quality of life. With a commitment to compassionate care and community involvement, SeniorAge operates various centers and programs designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors, including nutrition, health promotion, and social engagement. The organization's mission is deeply rooted in fostering a supportive environment where older adults can thrive with dignity and respect. SeniorAge values teamwork, professionalism, and the continuous development of its staff to maintain high-quality service delivery. With a focus on safety and compliance, SeniorAge adheres strictly to federal regulations, including the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all employees and volunteers.

The Culinary Lead at SeniorAge plays a pivotal role in the organization’s food service operations. This position involves overseeing the preparation, planning, and serving of meals that meet nutritional standards and the specific needs of the senior population served. The Culinary Lead supervises food service assistants, including both paid staff and volunteers, ensuring effective cross-training in all kitchen positions to maintain operational flexibility and efficiency. This leadership role requires strong collaboration with kitchen staff and the Center Lead to cultivate a positive workplace atmosphere aligned with SeniorAge’s mission, vision, and values. The position is safety sensitive and therefore requires pre-employment drug testing and background checks to comply with federal laws.

In this role, the Culinary Lead must have excellent people skills, strong professionalism, and an ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment marked by frequent interruptions. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of safe food preparation techniques, kitchen operation procedures, sanitation protocols, and accurate recordkeeping. Attention to detail, good judgment, and decision-making capabilities are critical. The Culinary Lead must also be willing to adapt to technology requirements by acquiring necessary computer skills for operational support and reporting.

Physical demands of the role are significant, requiring standing and walking for extended periods, lifting and moving food items, and the ability to navigate kitchen environments with hazardous conditions such as slippery floors, extreme temperatures, and sharp objects. The position mandates possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record, as travel between locations may be necessary. Additionally, obtaining a Food Handler’s Certificate within the first 90 days of employment and a ServSafe certificate within the first year (if applicable by county) is required. This ensures compliance with health and safety standards and helps maintain the high quality of meal service SeniorAge is known for.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional experienced in large-scale food service operations to take on a leadership position in a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of older adults. The Culinary Lead’s oversight is crucial in delivering nutritious meals and ensuring that kitchen operations run smoothly and safely. By joining SeniorAge, the Culinary Lead becomes a vital part of a team committed to excellence and service in a rewarding and dynamic environment where growth and impact are encouraged. The position is structured to balance operational supervision, staff development, and hands-on culinary excellence to achieve organizational goals and enhance client satisfaction.