
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $85,000.00 - $90,000.00
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
401(k)
Pet insurance
Unlimited paid time off
Job Description
Forefront is a distinguished leader in providing exceptional culinary and support services, dedicated to enhancing lives in healthcare settings. With a commitment to core values such as Tenacity, Integrity, Creativity, Service Excellence, Safety, and Caring, Forefront fosters an environment where operational success is achieved through teamwork and quality service. As a company that operates within the healthcare sector, Forefront prioritizes not only gourmet culinary experiences but also the creation of a safe, clean, and healing atmosphere for clients and residents alike. The corporation is committed to delivering excellent service and innovative dining solutions while maintaining adherence to strict regulatory standards in healthcare environments.
The role of Director Culinary Services at Forefront is pivotal in steering all culinary and dining operations across a variety of service lines including residential dining, retail, and catering. This leadership role involves overarching responsibility for strategic planning, operational oversight, financial management, and team development. The Director ensures that the culinary division operates efficiently and profitably while consistently delivering outstanding food quality and hospitality. With an emphasis on menu innovation, regulatory compliance, and resident satisfaction, the Director Culinary Services plays a key part in enhancing the dining experience through high standards of food preparation, safety, and service.
This position offers an exempt salaried employment arrangement with an estimated salary range of $85,000 to $90,000, reflecting the seniority and expertise required to succeed in this role. The Director Culinary Services is expected to work across days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary, highlighting the critical nature of culinary operations in continuous care environments. In this capacity, the director manages budget controls, food and labor costs, purchasing strategies, vendor partnerships, and maintains compliance with health department regulations and company standards such as ServSafe, HACCP, OSHA, and CMS.
In addition to operational responsibilities, the director leads and mentors a large team of culinary professionals including Sous Chefs, managers, supervisors, and front-line staff. The focus on talent development and succession planning ensures a strong leadership pipeline and a high-performing team culture centered on accountability, professionalism, and pride. The Director also serves as a liaison with clients, residents, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure feedback is actively incorporated and continuous improvements are made to program offerings and the overall dining environment.
Forefront offers a supportive culture where leadership development opportunities such as Lean Six Sigma training are available, allowing continual professional growth. The company values collaboration and input from its leaders to improve service and operational outcomes continuously. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plans, pet insurance, and unlimited paid time off. The Director Culinary Services position offers an exceptional chance for a passionate culinary leader to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare dining sector while advancing their career in a growth-oriented environment.
The role of Director Culinary Services at Forefront is pivotal in steering all culinary and dining operations across a variety of service lines including residential dining, retail, and catering. This leadership role involves overarching responsibility for strategic planning, operational oversight, financial management, and team development. The Director ensures that the culinary division operates efficiently and profitably while consistently delivering outstanding food quality and hospitality. With an emphasis on menu innovation, regulatory compliance, and resident satisfaction, the Director Culinary Services plays a key part in enhancing the dining experience through high standards of food preparation, safety, and service.
This position offers an exempt salaried employment arrangement with an estimated salary range of $85,000 to $90,000, reflecting the seniority and expertise required to succeed in this role. The Director Culinary Services is expected to work across days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary, highlighting the critical nature of culinary operations in continuous care environments. In this capacity, the director manages budget controls, food and labor costs, purchasing strategies, vendor partnerships, and maintains compliance with health department regulations and company standards such as ServSafe, HACCP, OSHA, and CMS.
In addition to operational responsibilities, the director leads and mentors a large team of culinary professionals including Sous Chefs, managers, supervisors, and front-line staff. The focus on talent development and succession planning ensures a strong leadership pipeline and a high-performing team culture centered on accountability, professionalism, and pride. The Director also serves as a liaison with clients, residents, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure feedback is actively incorporated and continuous improvements are made to program offerings and the overall dining environment.
Forefront offers a supportive culture where leadership development opportunities such as Lean Six Sigma training are available, allowing continual professional growth. The company values collaboration and input from its leaders to improve service and operational outcomes continuously. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plans, pet insurance, and unlimited paid time off. The Director Culinary Services position offers an exceptional chance for a passionate culinary leader to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare dining sector while advancing their career in a growth-oriented environment.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, hospitality management, nutrition, food service management, or related field preferred
- 7-10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience
- 3-5+ years in a director/regional/executive chef role with P&L accountability
- demonstrated success managing multi-unit or large campus dining operations
- experience with retail, resident dining, and catering services
- proven ability to manage annual budgets, food/labor cost controls, and financial forecasting
- experience in senior living, acute care, or healthcare dining highly preferred
- proven ability to lead teams of 30-100+ associates across multiple departments
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, Food Service Management, or related field preferred
- 7-10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience
- 3-5+ years in a Director/Regional/Executive Chef role with P&L accountability
- demonstrated success managing multi-unit or large campus dining operations
- experience with retail, resident dining, and catering services
- proven ability to manage annual budgets, food/labor cost controls, and financial forecasting
- experience in senior living, acute care, or healthcare dining highly preferred
- proven ability to lead teams of 30-100+ associates across multiple departments
- experience with GPO/vendor contract negotiations
- experience opening new accounts or major program transitions
- culinary innovation in wellness and lifestyle dining
- multi-site oversight or regional support background
Job Duties
- Lead all culinary operations including production, menu execution, catering, and special events
- ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, scratch or fresh-prepared food aligned with Forefront standards
- develop and execute seasonal menus, resident-driven programs, and special dining events
- maintain presentation, taste, and service standards at all times
- champion innovation, resident engagement, and culinary experience enhancement
- own food cost, labor cost, and controllable expense performance
- develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and purchasing strategies
- implement inventory controls, ordering systems, and waste reduction programs
- deliver financial results aligned with contractual and company targets
- partner with the General Manager and Regional leadership on performance strategy
- recruit, train, develop, and retain high-performing culinary teams
- lead Sous Chefs, Managers, Supervisors, and frontline culinary staff
- build strong bench strength, succession planning, and training programs
- foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and pride
- conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action when needed
- ensure full compliance with all health department, ServSafe, HACCP, OSHA, CMS, and company standards
- lead kitchen sanitation, food safety, and inspection readiness at all times
- maintain documentation, training logs, and audit readiness
- drive a strong culture of food safety and workplace safety
- partner with residents, patients, clients, and leadership to drive satisfaction
- participate in resident councils, food committees, tastings, and feedback sessions
- respond proactively to concerns and continuously improve the dining experience
- represent Forefront and the culinary program in a highly professional manner
- execute corporate programs, standards, and culinary initiatives
- support special events, marketing initiatives, and community engagement activities
- lead openings, renovations, and concept changes when applicable
- occasional travel for company meetings by car and/or plane may be required
- act in conformance with all facility and departmental policies and procedures including Human Resources, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Health and Safety regulations, Compliance requirements, Patient Rights, Confidentiality, and HIPAA
- attend department meetings as required
- demonstrate accountability for personal/professional growth and required certification/licenses
- complete mandatory training and competencies annually
- perform other duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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