Director Culinary Services / Executive Chef

Bethlehem, PA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Job Description

This job opportunity is with a leading company specializing in culinary services within the hospitality industry, particularly focusing on kitchen and dining operations in community living environments. The company is known for its commitment to quality dining experiences, exceptional customer service, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and operational efficiency. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and resident satisfaction, the company provides an enriching workplace culture where culinary professionals can thrive and grow. The role being offered is a full-time position with responsibilities that range from daily management to strategic planning of culinary services, designed to enhance the dining experience for residents and guests alike.

The position involves overseeing the day-to-day operations and staffing in the kitchen and dining venues of the community. It requires a skilled and experienced leader who can manage Culinary Services staff by scheduling, assigning tasks, providing direction, conducting performance reviews including pay adjustment recommendations, hiring, and implementing corrective actions per company policy. An essential part of the job is to maintain close communication with residents and their families to ensure satisfaction levels are consistently high. The individual will collaborate with the restaurant manager or coordinator to deliver a restaurant-style dining environment and guarantee that both front-of-house and back-of-house teams work cohesively to produce food that exceeds expectations.

Proactive engagement in kitchen and restaurant operations is critical; the individual must be capable of working at any station in the kitchen or dining room when necessary. They will also work with executive leadership and frontline staff to maintain Customer Satisfaction and Quality Enhancement scores at or above targets. Assigning duties to maintain cleanliness, quality, and adherence to state and local health codes is a priority. The role demands fiscal responsibility, including managing departmental budgets and documentation of food, supplies, and labor expenditures. It also covers planning recipes and menus based on resident preferences and budget considerations while ensuring equipment is handled properly to avoid damage and unnecessary costs.

Additionally, the individual will oversee inventory control, purchasing standards, and vendor relationships, ensuring that procurement policies are followed and strategic supplier partnerships are fostered. They will plan and execute Engage Life events, special events, banquets, and themed meals that enhance the community's dining experience. Close cooperation with the Community Sales Director and staff promotes marketing initiatives such as 'Taste of Atria - Road Shows' and signature menu items that showcase the culinary program's strengths. The manager will ensure all staff understand company expectations for service excellence and maintain a positive first impression. This role may also perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the community's overall success.

Job Requirements

Five or more years culinary experience in the hospitality industry
High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
Food handlers permit as required by state law and company standards
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
Must possess valid driver’s license
Must meet company motor vehicle policy standards
Ability to resolve problems of dissatisfied customers and/or employees
Position may require driving responsibilities, including use of company or personal vehicle

Job Qualifications

Five (5) or more years Culinary Experience in the hospitality industry
High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
Strong organization and time management skills
Able to resolve problems of dissatisfied customers and/or employees
Food handlers permit as required by state law and/or Company standards
Basic Computer skills – Microsoft word, Outlook, and Excel
Position may require driving responsibilities (may use Company provided vehicle and/or personal vehicle)
Must possess valid driver's license
Must satisfactorily meet and be in compliance with Company motor vehicle policy standards

Job Duties

Responsible for the day to day operations and staffing for the kitchen and dining venues of their community
Responsibly manages and supervises all Culinary Services staff including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review (including input on pay adjustments), hiring and corrective action consistent with company policy
Meet regularly with residents and family members to confirm that high satisfaction levels are maintained
Work with the restaurant manager or coordinator so that he/she has a clear understanding of how to provide high levels of customer service and how to create a restaurant style dining atmosphere
Confirm that the front of house and back of house staff work closely together to deliver a food product that exceeds the residents and/or guests expectations
Assist Kitchen and Restaurant staff with back and front of the house operations as needed
This includes the ability to work all stations in the kitchen and/or dining room if needed
Work with the Executive Director and front line staff to obtain and maintain department Customer Satisfaction and Quality Enhancement levels at or above designated scores
Delegate tasks to all staff so that the kitchen and restaurant areas are maintained at the highest levels of cleanliness and quality at all times
Ensuring that all food is prepared, stored, and served according to Company standards and with state and/or local health code requirements
Maintain Employee Satisfactions scores at or above designated scores
Interview and hire staff for the Culinary Services department
Conduct and participate in monthly department meetings/in-services
Able to understand and maintain monthly and annual budgets for the Culinary Services department including producing written documentation of monthly spend on food, supplies, and labor
Work with the staff and residents in the planning and development of recipes and menus based on resident likes and dislikes and monthly budgets
Ensure that all staff uses and maintains equipment properly to avoid damage and costly repairs
Maintain the appropriate inventory of kitchen supplies, small wares and table ware
Responsible for ensuring that purchasing standards are maintained and that appropriate vendors are used at all times
Maintain strong and positive relationships with all vendors
Responsible for planning, preparation and execution of Engage Life events, special events, banquets, and theme meals
Work closely with the Community Sales Director and community staff to market the community via “Taste of Atria – Road Shows” and “Signature Items”
Ensure that the kitchen and restaurant staff understands company expectations and first impression requirements
May perform other duties as assigned or requested