
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Flexible
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Career development opportunities
Remote work option
Job Description
Sonida Senior Living is one of the nation’s leading operators of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities for senior adults. With a portfolio of 165 communities across 35 states, Sonida provides a welcoming and supportive environment for nearly 12,000 residents. The company is committed to delivering comfortable, safe, and affordable living spaces where residents can form meaningful friendships, enjoy enriching experiences, and receive personalized care from dedicated team members who treat them like family.
Sonida Senior Living focuses on enriching the lives of older adults by fostering a sense of community and belonging. Their offerings range from independent living for seniors who value their independence with some supportive services, to assisted living and memory care designed to meet the complex needs of individuals requiring more extensive assistance. The organization prides itself on upholding high standards in hospitality, care, and wellness, driven by a mission to enhance the quality of life for its residents through tailored services and exceptional experiences.
The Regional Director of Culinary Experience at Sonida Senior Living plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the dining programs across multiple communities consistently deliver exceptional culinary experiences. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing dining operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving high levels of resident satisfaction in assigned communities. The role entails working closely with Executive Directors, Directors of Culinary, and culinary teams to elevate food quality, nutrition, hospitality, and overall dining experiences, reinforcing Sonida’s commitment to resident well-being and enjoyment.
This is a remote-based role, allowing the Regional Director to provide strategic oversight and operational support efficiently across diverse locations. Key responsibilities include conducting regular site visits, mentoring culinary leaders, and collaborating with regional and national teams to align dining practices with company goals. The position demands strong leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for hospitality—ensuring that each meal service not only meets regulatory and nutritional standards but also delights residents and enhances their quality of life.
In addition to operational management, the Regional Director of Culinary Experience is responsible for financial and resource management within their region, including budgeting, food cost control, and labor utilization. They work collaboratively with procurement teams to maintain effective vendor relationships and ensure supply chain efficiency. This role also involves spearheading training initiatives to cultivate culinary skills, uphold food safety, and promote career growth among team members.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in dining and culinary leadership, ideally within senior living or healthcare settings, paired with relevant certifications such as ServSafe and preferably CEC or CDM credentials. Strong communication, interpersonal, and financial skills are essential, along with the ability to travel frequently to support communities nationwide. By joining Sonida Senior Living, the Regional Director of Culinary Experience contributes directly to creating vibrant communities where older adults can thrive through exceptional dining and care experiences.
Sonida Senior Living focuses on enriching the lives of older adults by fostering a sense of community and belonging. Their offerings range from independent living for seniors who value their independence with some supportive services, to assisted living and memory care designed to meet the complex needs of individuals requiring more extensive assistance. The organization prides itself on upholding high standards in hospitality, care, and wellness, driven by a mission to enhance the quality of life for its residents through tailored services and exceptional experiences.
The Regional Director of Culinary Experience at Sonida Senior Living plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the dining programs across multiple communities consistently deliver exceptional culinary experiences. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing dining operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving high levels of resident satisfaction in assigned communities. The role entails working closely with Executive Directors, Directors of Culinary, and culinary teams to elevate food quality, nutrition, hospitality, and overall dining experiences, reinforcing Sonida’s commitment to resident well-being and enjoyment.
This is a remote-based role, allowing the Regional Director to provide strategic oversight and operational support efficiently across diverse locations. Key responsibilities include conducting regular site visits, mentoring culinary leaders, and collaborating with regional and national teams to align dining practices with company goals. The position demands strong leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for hospitality—ensuring that each meal service not only meets regulatory and nutritional standards but also delights residents and enhances their quality of life.
In addition to operational management, the Regional Director of Culinary Experience is responsible for financial and resource management within their region, including budgeting, food cost control, and labor utilization. They work collaboratively with procurement teams to maintain effective vendor relationships and ensure supply chain efficiency. This role also involves spearheading training initiatives to cultivate culinary skills, uphold food safety, and promote career growth among team members.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in dining and culinary leadership, ideally within senior living or healthcare settings, paired with relevant certifications such as ServSafe and preferably CEC or CDM credentials. Strong communication, interpersonal, and financial skills are essential, along with the ability to travel frequently to support communities nationwide. By joining Sonida Senior Living, the Regional Director of Culinary Experience contributes directly to creating vibrant communities where older adults can thrive through exceptional dining and care experiences.
Job Requirements
- Associate or bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, or hospitality or alternately with an active CEC (ACF) certification
- minimum 7 years of dining/culinary leadership experience
- regional chef experience required
- knowledge of dietary guidelines for older adults, therapeutic diets, and food safety regulations
- ServSafe certification required
- excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- strong financial acumen and budgeting experience
- willingness to travel 80 percent throughout the US
Job Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, or hospitality or alternately with an active CEC (ACF) certification
- CDM (ANFP) or equivalent preferred
- minimum 7 years of dining/culinary leadership experience, preferably in senior living or healthcare
- regional chef experience required
- knowledge of dietary guidelines for older adults, therapeutic diets, and food safety regulations
- ServSafe certification required
- excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- strong financial acumen and budgeting experience
- willingness to travel 80 percent throughout the US
Job Duties
- Oversee dining services operations for assigned communities, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance
- provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to community-level dining leaders
- conduct regular site visits to monitor operations, support teams, and identify improvement opportunities
- communicate company standards, expectations, and strategic priorities to drive alignment across communities
- ensure menus and meal service meet resident preferences, dining needs, and regulatory requirements
- drive hospitality-focused service, creating a welcoming and enjoyable dining atmosphere
- monitor resident satisfaction through surveys, feedback, and direct engagement
- implement improvements as needed
- partner with operations and resident care teams to support Wellness and personalized dining experiences
- ensure all communities comply with federal, state, and local health, sanitation, and safety regulations
- maintain compliance with company policies, licensing requirements, and senior living industry dining standards
- support communities in preparation for health inspections and audits
- provide follow up and coaching after surveys or inspections to ensure sustained compliance
- manage regional dining budgets, food costs, and labor utilization in alignment with financial goals
- implement cost-control measures without compromising quality or resident satisfaction
- partner with procurement to ensure effective vendor relationships and supply chain efficiency
- monitor financial performance and identify trends or opportunities to improve profitability
- lead training initiatives to develop culinary skills, service standards, and food safety knowledge
- promote career growth opportunities within the dining services teams
- stay current on culinary trends, senior nutrition best practices, and industry innovations
- identify and mentor high potential team members to support future leadership development
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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