Culinary Service Manager

Cary, NC, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Employee Discounts

Job Description

Waltonwood is a premier senior living community committed to providing exceptional care and a warm, inviting atmosphere for its residents. Renowned for its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, Waltonwood emphasizes community, comfort, and personalized services. It is a place where the needs of the elderly are prioritized, and every resident is treated with dignity and respect. The Culinary Department at Waltonwood plays a crucial role in this mission by delivering nourishing, delicious meals in an inviting setting that promotes a memorable dining experience. Meals and food-related activities are recognized as fundamental components of residents' daily lives, contributing to their overall well-being and enjoyment.

The Culinary Service Manager (CSM) at Waltonwood is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing all culinary operations within the community. This role entails managing the entire culinary experience to ensure the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, taste, and service are consistently met. The CSM works closely with residents, families, and culinary associates to foster clear communication and satisfaction. This position involves developing and preparing menus tailored to the community’s unique preferences, managing procurement and inventory control, as well as ensuring compliance with local health regulations and assisted living standards. The CSM also supervises departmental documentation, equipment maintenance, and sanitization protocols.

In addition to operational oversight, the Culinary Service Manager leads and trains the culinary team, including department supervisors, promoting a culture of respect, positivity, and efficiency. This leadership role supports the Executive Director directly and contributes to broader community initiatives, collaborating with other departments such as Marketing and Life Enrichment for event planning. The CSM is responsible for maintaining departmental budgets, managing payroll and scheduling, and ensuring adherence to vendor guidelines.

A passion for creating and serving exceptional cuisine that not only meets nutritional needs but also enhances the daily lives of seniors is fundamental to the role. The operator of this position frequently engages with residents during meals, gathers feedback, and participates in resident council meetings to promptly address concerns and improve service. Constant attention to detail, organizational skills, and a customer-focused mindset are critical competencies for success in this role. The ideal candidate is committed to leadership by example, demonstrating integrity, innovation, and a deep passion for working with seniors.

This full-time position demands strong culinary expertise, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree or certifications in Culinary Service Arts, Hospitality, or related fields, along with extensive experience in executive chef roles. Waltonwood values team players who are willing to support colleagues across departments, embracing a collaborative approach that enhances overall community goals. The role includes physically demanding tasks and requires flexibility to work weekends and holidays as part of Manager on Duty responsibilities. Ultimately, the Culinary Service Manager at Waltonwood is pivotal in delivering an outstanding culinary experience that respects and enriches the lives of its senior residents.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Minimum of 5 years' previous experience working as an executive chef
Must be ServSafe certified
Previous experience working with seniors is strongly preferred
Must have strong computer skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer applications
Experience working with a Point-of-Sale system preferred
Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English
Excellent time management skills
Ability to multitask and stay organized
Able to work weekends and holidays as needed, sharing Manager on Duty responsibilities

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree, certifications, or coursework in Culinary Service Arts, Hospitality, or related field preferred
Minimum of 5 years' experience as an executive chef
ServSafe certification required
Experience working with seniors preferred
Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience with Point-of-Sale systems preferred
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and stay organized

Job Duties

Maintain a regular cooking schedule to ensure high quality cuisine to the residents
Ensure compliance with assisted living regulations, ServSafe program, and local health department regulations
Oversee cafe operations and catering events throughout the community
Review and update Resident Diet Notification binder and Point-of-Sale system, educating culinary associates on resident needs
Manage hiring, training, supervision, payroll, scheduling, and evaluation of the culinary department
Adhere to product ordering guide and vendor usage while maintaining adequate food and supply inventory
Communicate clearly with residents, families, and culinary associates to ensure satisfaction
Circulate in dining rooms during meals and attend resident council meetings to address issues
Collaborate with Marketing and Life Enrichment teams for event preparation involving food
Manage departmental budget related to food, supplies, and labor
Ensure dining room and kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and maintenance
Provide reports such as inventory logs, temperature logs, and associate schedules as requested
Assist with other duties assigned by the Executive Director