Culinary Experience Director

About the role

Givens Communities continues to be a positive force and advocate for older adults, with a mission to expand the possibilities of aging by improving lives through communities, services, and outreach. The organization promotes Inclusion and Belonging, aligns words with actions to ensure everyone is welcomed and treated with dignity and respect, pursues innovative sustainability practices, and fosters a forward‑thinking, progressive mindset for residents seeking a purpose‑driven life. Givens Estates is looking for a Culinary Experience Director to support its growing and innovating Culinary Experience team. The Director of Culinary Experience is a member of the campus leadership team and leads all dining, culinary, and catering operations across Givens Estates, spanning multiple dining venues and care levels. This role requires a leader who can balance forward‑thinking culinary innovation with disciplined labor and cost management, meeting the high expectations of a discerning resident community that values exceptional quality, consistency, and service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff scheduling and staffing plans across all dining venues, Skilled Nursing, and Assisted Living dining services to ensure operational continuity; delegate a responsible staff member to act on their behalf when absent
• Develop and manage the department's annual operating and capital budget across all dining venues, culinary operations, purchasing, and catering
• Integrate brain health and longevity‑focused nutrition principles into menu planning and culinary programming, in partnership with clinical and dietary staff
• Set and uphold a best‑in‑class hospitality standard across all dining venues ensuring every resident interaction reflects the highest level of warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism
• Partner with the Health Services Director in a matrix leadership structure, jointly owning compliance outcomes for dining services delivered within licensed care settings
• Champion food as a form of social currency, designing dining experiences that foster connection, joy, and community among residents, rather than focusing solely on food quality and service execution
• Perform any other duties and/or tasks that may be assigned on an as‑needed basis by an authorized supervisor

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality, dining services, or culinary operations, including experience managing multiple venues and large teams, preferably in a resorts or senior living setting
• Event planning and catering coordination experience
• Working knowledge of NC ABC regulations and responsible alcohol service requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field preferred
• Familiarity with culinary trends related to the ageing services industry preferred

Benefits

• Three major medical health insurance plans to choose from with dental and vision coverage at no additional cost
• Free short‑term disability, life insurance, & access to our employee assistance program
• Paid time off (PTO), shift differential pay, & referral bonus program
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% matching
• Educational assistance & professional development opportunities
• Flexible spending account (FSA) & access to AFLAC & Prudential Life insurance products

Pay

Compensation is $110,000 - $120,000 per year, based on background and experience and includes our comprehensive benefits package