Director of Culinary

Oswego, IL

Work with one of the best executive directors in the state, in a beautiful building, with great residents, surrounded by staff that truly care, and a company that invests in its properties and employees. We’re a young, fast-growing organization built on innovation and compassion, backed by experts across ops, clinical, HR, and finance. Own your impact, grow your career, and be rewarded with a 401(k) match, competitive benefits, and ongoing development.

Position Summary

Leads all culinary operations to deliver an enjoyable, nutritious dining experience for residents and guests while meeting safety, quality, and budget targets. Oversees menu planning, production, service, procurement, staffing, training, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage Culinary program staff, plan, and order for regional menus and specials
  • Adhere to proper food safety and sanitation measures and ensure high levels of quality service in every part of the department
  • Post, interview, and hire for new staff positions
  • Ensure that supervisors and hourly team members maintain a safe and sanitary environment
  • Provide a nurturing and pleasuring dining experience 
  • Onboard and train all team members in the Culinary Department, ensuring that any state and company-mandated training is completed in a timely manner and documented properly 
  • Develop and maintain schedules for both front of house and back of house team members. Work with leads to ensure schedules meet budgets and provide the level of food quality and service outlined for our residents
  • Consult with the National Director of Culinary, community chefs, and cooks to develop/maintain a pleasing and nutritious menu
  • Conduct monthly Chef meetings with community residents to plan for specials and additional menu modifications, ensuring that community preferences are incorporated into menus and events
  • Understand all aspects of the Culinary operating and staffing budgets and ensure that financial goals are met
  • Complete monthly spend down report and meet with Executive Director weekly to update them on departmental spend and events
  • Assist the ED in planning and forecasting budgets for following years
  • Comply with all local, state, and/or federal licensing requirements, rules, regulations, OSHA, and company requirements 
  • Partner with National Director of Culinary Services and other Directors of Culinary to improve operations, reduce costs, and obtain new programming ideas
  • Work a variety of shifts on an as-needed basis. Must be willing and able to cook and serve shifts to ensure staffing needs are met. Routinely work different shifts for quality control, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A minimum of 1 weekend per month is required
  • Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

  • College degree in food service or hospitality management is preferred
  • A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry with at least three of those years in a responsible supervisory role of preparing food and serving customers
  • Experience to include management of food inventories and budget
  • Experience in senior living or healthcare is a plus
  • Current ServSafe certification preferred. Obtain or hold any county and/or state required food handling/sanitation licenses or certificates
  • Good understanding of Excel and online food service ordering platform
  • A strong communicator and proven manager who can work with a wide range and number of team members
  • Extensive knowledge of 24/7 food service preparations and federal, state, and local regulations regarding safety of food preparation and handling

Benefits & Perks: 

  • Health insurance costing as little as $50/pay period Individual, Full Time Employees
  • Health insurance costing as little as $50/pay period Individual, Full Time Employees
  • Benefits eligibility starting 1st of the month following hire date for *Full Time Employees* 
  • Robust benefit plan offerings including Medical (PPO and HAS Plans), Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, HSA, FSA, etc.
  • Employer Paid: Short Term/ Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays 
  • Daily employee meal provided
  • Employee referral bonus program 

Longevity Senior Living is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.