Culinary Director

Position Summary

The Culinary Director at Better Living is a strategic leader responsible for delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects our 'Expect Better' brand promise. This role goes beyond food production — it is about creating meaningful moments, supporting resident independence, leading with heart, and contributing to occupancy growth through hospitality excellence.

Resident Experience & Hospitality Leadership

• Create a restaurant-style dining experience aligned with Better Living standards.
• Build meaningful relationships with residents and families.
• Implement Resident-Led Initiatives including menu input sessions, culinary committees, themed dining events, and resident recipe spotlights.
• Ensure individualized accommodations for preferences, allergies, therapeutic diets, and cultural needs.
• Partner with Life Enrichment to integrate food into purposeful programming.
• Support tour experiences and marketing events to drive occupancy.

Culinary Operations

• Develop and execute seasonal menus in partnership with approved vendors.
• Maintain consistency in presentation, portioning, and quality standards.
• Ensure therapeutic diets are implemented accurately in collaboration with nursing and care teams.
• Maintain inventory control systems and cost tracking.
• Oversee kitchen production schedules and staffing coverage.
• Lead catering for internal events, marketing functions, and family nights.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with state assisted living regulations and local health department requirements.
• Maintain ServSafe certification (or state equivalent).
• Ensure proper documentation of temperature logs, cleaning schedules, food storage compliance, and diet modifications.
• Participate in state surveys and respond promptly to any deficiencies.

Financial Accountability

• Manage food and kitchen labor budget.
• Maintain target food cost percentages.
• Monitor waste and implement waste reduction strategies.
• Participate in monthly budget review with Executive Director.
• Contribute to NOI improvement through operational efficiency.

Sales & Occupancy Support

• Participate in tours when appropriate.
• Partner with Sales Director and Executive Director for special events.
• Ensure dining experience supports closing confidence.
• Provide sample menus and culinary storytelling for marketing use.

Qualifications

• 3+ years culinary leadership experience (senior living, hospitality, healthcare, or restaurant preferred).
• Experience managing kitchen staff and food budgets.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets preferred.
• ServSafe Certified (or ability to obtain).
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings/weekends for events.

Core Competencies

• Hospitality mindset
• Emotional intelligence
• Operational discipline
• Financial acumen
• Resident-centered service
• Regulatory awareness
• Team development

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Exposure to kitchen heat and cleaning chemicals.