Director of Culinary Services

Discovery Management Group leads one of the nation’s most purpose-driven and people-centered senior living organizations, managing and enhancing senior living communities across the United States. With a focus on operational excellence, lifestyle personalization, and culture-driven leadership, we proudly serve residents and families with more than 15,000 units nationwide and growing.

About the role

As the Director of Culinary Services, you’ll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day. Your role includes providing both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership of the Culinary Services Department. This includes responsibility for menu planning, staffing, food quality, safety, and budget performance. You’ll play a vital role in resident satisfaction by creating memorable dining experiences while ensuring operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations while participating in meal preparation and service
• Plan and execute menus that meet resident dietary guidelines and preferences
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation; implement improvements as needed
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and dietary standards
• Conduct food safety audits and quality assurance checks
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor contracts
• Manage budgets, monitor costs, and take corrective action when needed
• Manage, recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate culinary staff
• Lead orientation and in-service training programs for team members
• Engage with residents during mealtimes to ensure satisfaction and resolve concerns
• Collaborate with Executive Director and department heads to align food services with community goals

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships)
• Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking and staff oversight
• Food Safety Certification required
• Strong knowledge of sanitation, food handling, and loss prevention practices
• Culinary training or certification preferred
• Experience with menu engineering, cost controls, and vendor management
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems
• Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus—but only if paired with demonstrated high service standards
• Ability to work in kitchen environments
• Oversight of food safety audits and inspections
• Exposure to high-pressure operational deadlines
• Ability to lift or assist with kitchen operations as needed

Schedule

Traditional leadership workweek with flexibility required based on business and operational needs that includes Manager on Duty hours as well as on call for emergency situations.

Pay

$50k-$65k annually.

Benefits

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid training and career growth opportunities
• Wellness-related benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why Join Us

Discovery Senior Living earned coveted Great Place to Work Certification for 2025-2027. A large part of what makes Discovery different from other companies in this industry is our willingness to embrace change. We are constantly challenging how we are doing things to ensure the lifestyle we are offering our residents is absolutely the greatest value proposition in the marketplace. It’s just as important to us that the environment and culture for our team members are constantly refreshed. Embracing and even encouraging change brings a never-ending supply of new energy to our business and our culture. That energy translates to other far-reaching positive impacts on our residents as well as our team members.

Our Culture & Values

At Discovery Senior Living, we’re unified by certain core values, which we call our “Pillars of Excellence.” They include TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPASSION, HARD WORK, and CREATIVITY. Individually, they are our virtues, and together, they make up a roadmap which helps us foster innovation and success.