Director Culinary Services Pittsburg, PA

Forefront is a distinguished leader committed to enriching lives through exceptional culinary and support services within healthcare environments. As a nationally recognized provider, Forefront focuses on delivering an outstanding dining experience that supports healing and well-being for residents, patients, and clients. The company embodies core values such as Tenacity, Integrity, Creativity, Service Excellence, Safety, and Caring, which guide every aspect of its operations. These principles create a culture of high standards, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making Forefront an employer of choice for those passionate about food and service excellence in healthcare settings.

The organization specializes in managing culinary programs across various service lines including residential dining, retail, and catering, ensuring menus are innovative, nutritious, and tailored to meet the unique needs of healthcare populations. Forefront’s commitment to quality and service extends beyond food preparation to include a clean, safe, and healing environment that supports the overall experience for residents and clients.

The Director of Culinary Services role at Forefront is a strategic and impactful leadership position responsible for overseeing all culinary and dining programs. This exempt salaried position offers a competitive salary range from $85,000 to $90,000 and requires availability during days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The Director leads the development and execution of seasonally inspired menus and resident-driven programs while maintaining exceptional food quality and hospitality standards.

More than just managing day-to-day kitchen operations, the Director partners closely with the General Manager and regional leadership to meet financial goals through budget management, food and labor cost controls, and vendor relationships. This role requires a sharp focus on operational efficiency and compliance with healthcare dietary regulations and safety standards including ServSafe, HACCP, OSHA, and CMS guidelines.

Beyond financial and operational performance, the Director of Culinary Services plays a crucial role in talent management, recruiting, training, and developing a cohesive team of culinary professionals including Sous Chefs, Managers, Supervisors, and frontline staff. Building a culture of accountability and pride within the kitchen and dining teams is essential to promote high levels of employee engagement and retention.

This leader also acts as a vital liaison between residents, patients, clients, and interdisciplinary teams, ensuring dining services continuously evolve to meet satisfaction and wellness objectives. Active participation in resident councils, tastings, and feedback sessions supports a client-centered approach to program design and service delivery.

Forefront is dedicated to cultivating a supportive environment with access to leadership development opportunities, Lean Six Sigma training, and clear career advancement pathways. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), pet insurance, and unlimited paid time off, reinforcing Forefront’s commitment to employee well-being.

In this dynamic role, the Director of Culinary Services will also oversee special events, marketing initiatives, community engagement activities, and the logistical execution of new openings or renovations. Occasional travel by car or plane may be required for company meetings, emphasizing the role’s strategic importance across multiple sites.

Forefront is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable laws, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination. The company values the diversity and inclusion of its employees and fosters a respectful and professional atmosphere. If you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and are excited to lead teams toward culinary excellence in healthcare, Forefront invites you to apply and grow your career with them.