Director Culinary Experience

Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
moneybag

Compensation

Salary
Range $70,000.00 - $78,000.00
clock

Work Schedule

Standard Hours
diamond

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
401K with company match
Paid vacation
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Employee assistance program
Employee Referral Program

Job Description

Cogir Senior Living, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a prominent operator of senior living communities across 11 states throughout the United States. As a leader in the senior housing industry, Cogir Senior Living is dedicated to providing exceptional care to its residents while fostering a collaborative and development-focused workplace for its employees. The company emphasizes a culture grounded in core values of human focus, creativity, and excellence, which inspires all team members to strive continuously for the highest standards in service and community engagement. Cogir Senior Living supports its workforce with competitive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401K plan with company matching, paid vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and a generous employee referral program, demonstrating its commitment to employee well-being and career growth.

The Director of Culinary Experience, also referred to as the Executive Chef at Cogir Senior Living, plays a pivotal role in managing the dining services operations at one of its senior living communities. This leadership position oversees the preparation and delivery of meals that are not only nutritious but also tailored to enrich the dining experience of residents with varying preferences and dietary needs. The role encompasses broad responsibilities including food procurement, menu development, financial management of culinary budgets, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The Director of Culinary Experience also manages recruitment, training, and supervision of the culinary and dining service staff, ensuring excellent service standards are met consistently across both back-of-house and front-of-house operations.

This role offers a highly rewarding and dynamic environment for culinary professionals who are passionate about serving seniors and improving their quality of life through excellent food and service. The Director of Culinary Experience is instrumental in fostering a positive dining atmosphere, maintaining inventory control, and collaboratively engaging with residents to meet their culinary needs and preferences. The ideal candidate is a creative leader with a proven track record in culinary management, exceptional communication skills, and a compassionate approach toward senior living environments. This role demands an individual capable of managing budgets meticulously and driving special events that enhance community connections and resident satisfaction. Cogir Senior Living encourages candidates who seek a fulfilling, impactful career where they can make a daily difference in people’s lives to apply and join the team.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary education preferred or equivalent combination of experience and education
  • Serve Safe Manager (Food Handler Certificate) with an understanding of kitchen sanitation and food codes
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in food preparation
  • At least 3 years of progressive management experience as an executive chef
  • Experience with restaurant openings is a plus
  • Experience with special events and banquets is a plus
  • Previous experience working in independent living, assisted living, memory care, senior living, or hotel experience is a plus
  • Outstanding communication skills and ability to motivate
  • Compassion for residents and passion for excellence

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary education preferred or equivalent combination of experience and education
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in food preparation
  • At least 3 years of progressive management experience as an executive chef with an understanding of front-of-the-house operations and service
  • Serve Safe Manager (Food Handler Certification) with an understanding of kitchen sanitation and food codes
  • Successful history of building teams and meeting financial goals
  • Creativity and experience in menu development
  • Outstanding communication skills and the ability to motivate
  • Compassion for seniors and a strong passion for excellence

Job Duties

  • Responsible for the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community kitchen and dining venues
  • Manages and supervises all culinary services staff including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review, hiring, and corrective action consistent with company policy
  • Menu planning and executing meal preparation and events, assisting staff with back and front-of-the-house operations as needed
  • Maintain inventory control of food, beverages, supplies, and equipment
  • Ensure that all food is prepared, stored, and served according to company standards and with state and/or local health code requirements
  • Understand and maintain monthly and annual budgets for the culinary services department, including producing written documentation of monthly food, supplies, and labor spending
  • Collaborate with staff and residents to plan and develop recipes and menus tailored to residents' preferences and monthly budgets
  • Ensure resident and family member satisfaction is maintained
  • Responsible for planning, preparing, and executing special events and themed meals

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef