Culinary Director

LCS (Life Care Services); Buffalo (MN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Retention Program

Employee Referral Program

Paid Time Off and other company\nbenef

Job summary

Havenwood of Buffalo in Buffalo, MN is seeking a hospitality-focused Director of Culinary Services to lead our dining services team. This role provides full-scope, hands-on management of the Culinary Services Department, upholding hospitality excellence and resident satisfaction.

You will recruit and develop staff, plan menu cycles, ensure nutrition and regulatory compliance, and actively engage residents to monitor quality and service. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as Executive Chef or culinary leader in healthcare or related environment.
• 3+ years managing food service operations and personnel.
• Strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop upscale dining program creating an exceptional experience for residents and guests.
• Lead Culinary Services staff: recruiting, scheduling, coaching, performance management.
• Plan menu cycles meeting nutritional and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure dietary modifications follow physician orders and policies.
• Meet or exceed departmental budget and financial objectives.
• Engage with residents to evaluate quality and satisfaction, driving improvements.
• Maintain trained, professional staff and proper uniforming.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Menu planning

Regulatory compliance

Customer service

Food safety

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Culinary Arts

Tools

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Director of Culinary Services

Havenwood of Buffalo | Buffalo, MN

When you work at Havenwood of Buffalo, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of some of the wisest people on earth. Even more importantly, you become part of an extraordinary team dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors every day.

At Havenwood, we believe in investing in our employees because they are the future of senior living. Don't just take a job. Become part of an extraordinary life.

Havenwood of Buffalo is seeking a hospitality-focused Director of Culinary Services to lead our dining services team. This position provides full-scope, hands-on management of the Culinary Services Department and is responsible for maintaining exceptional quality, cleanliness, customer service, and resident satisfaction. The Director of Culinary Services is a key member of the community leadership team and is expected to uphold our mission, values, and commitment to hospitality excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, professional, and upscale dining program that creates an exceptional experience for residents and guests.
• Lead and supervise all Culinary Services staff, including recruiting, hiring, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Plan, develop, and implement menu cycles that meet nutritional and dietary requirements and comply with all applicable regulations.
• Ensure dietary modifications are prepared and served according to physician orders and company policies.
• Meet or exceed departmental budget and financial objectives.
• Participate in hands‑on food preparation, service, and dishwashing when needed.
• Maintain a team of professional, well‑trained, and properly uniformed staff.
• Regularly engage with residents to evaluate food quality, service, presentation, and satisfaction while implementing improvements as needed.
• Foster a culture that supports employee engagement, resident satisfaction, occupancy growth, and overall community success.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree preferred, ideally in Culinary Arts or a related field.
• Successful completion of a recognized Food Safety Certification program.
• Minimum of five years of experience as an Executive Chef, Chef, or similar culinary leadership role in a hotel, restaurant, club, healthcare, or comparable environment.
• Minimum of three years of experience managing food service operations and personnel.
• Senior living, healthcare, or long-term care culinary experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and customer service skills.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary: $65,000+ annually (DOE)

Benefits Include:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Retention Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Paid Time Off and other company benefits

Havenwood of Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).