Director of Culinary-Assisted Living

Sioux Falls, SD, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $80.00 - $85,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive pay

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Work-life balance

Job Description

Our assisted living community is dedicated to providing a warm, supportive, and enriching environment where residents feel truly valued and at home. We specialize in delivering personalized care and services that promote the well-being and happiness of those we serve. As a compassionate and forward-thinking organization, we prioritize teamwork, respect, and excellence in everything we do, fostering a culture that encourages professional growth and exceptional service. Our community offers a vibrant atmosphere, making it a wonderful place for both employees and residents alike to thrive. We understand the importance of work-life balance, especially for our culinary leaders, which is why we offer a Monday through Friday schedule with weekends and evenings typically free. Our competitive salary range of $80,000 to $85,000 annually, coupled with comprehensive benefits and paid time off, underscores our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent who are passionate about culinary arts and hospitality.

The Director of Culinary Services role in our community is more than just leading a kitchen; it’s about shaping the dining experience that directly impacts the quality of life for our residents. This leadership position holds a crucial responsibility for overseeing all culinary operations, including menu planning, food quality assurance, staffing and team development, budgeting, and compliance with food safety and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and a genuine passion for hospitality. They will inspire and manage a diverse culinary team to deliver restaurant-quality meals in a warm, hospitality-focused setting that residents and their families appreciate.

This role requires an individual who can balance creativity with operational excellence, build meaningful relationships with residents and staff, and maintain high standards of food safety and service. The Director of Culinary Services will coordinate special events, manage purchasing and inventory, conduct training and development, and ensure the culinary department consistently meets and exceeds established expectations. Our ideal candidate is a seasoned culinary professional with at least three years of management experience who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to delivering platinum service — characterized by a high level of responsiveness and care. If you are looking for a fulfilling leadership position that offers both professional challenge and a balanced lifestyle, this opportunity is tailored for you.

Job Requirements

Must meet all applicable state and federal requirements
Associate or Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts and/or three or more years of culinary and food preparation experience preferred
Three or more years of management experience in culinary cooking or a related hospitality role
Ability to work flexible hours as needed
Ability to frequently lift and carry 30 lbs and occasionally 50 lbs
Ability to frequently push or pull up to 30 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs
Capable of bending, twisting, stooping and reaching at or below shoulder level
Must be able to frequently stand, walk and alternate between standing and sitting
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English
Knowledge of safety regulations and proper handling of hazardous chemicals
Comfortable working with ill, disabled, elderly and emotionally upset people
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Job Qualifications

Associate or Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred
Minimum three years of culinary and food preparation experience
Minimum three years of management experience in culinary or hospitality management
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to develop and implement culinary programs and training
Understanding of food safety standards and regulatory compliance
Proven ability to work with elderly, disabled and emotionally upset individuals

Job Duties

Develop, implement and evaluate the culinary department's daily schedules and processes
Ensure all culinary personnel follow policy and procedures
Coordinate and provide hot and cold foods for community events
Create and execute corrective plans addressing survey inspection results
Maintain a reference library of menus, recipes, policies, procedures, operation standards and current diet manuals
Ensure food prepared meets presentation standards, quality guidelines and food safety
Comply with purchasing practices and order food from approved vendors
Establish a food service production workflow to ensure timely meal preparation
Determine and assign staffing requirements for each shift
Manage staffing and hiring needs including applicant flow and interviews
Provide training, orientation and in-service classes for culinary staff
Monitor employee performance and assist with resolution of performance issues
Maintain clean and sanitary dining service work areas
Ensure personnel follow equipment safety regulations and protocols
Manage inventory and replenishment of food items and equipment
Prepare and plan the dining services budget including food, equipment, supplies and labor
Perform other job-related duties as assigned