Culinary Director

Penta Senior Living; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & meal discounts

Paid time off & flexible scheduling

Health, dental & vision insurance

Ongoing training & career advancement

Supportive mission-driven team

Job summary

Health Dimensions Group, Inc is seeking a Dietary Director to lead our food services team with excellence and care. You will oversee meal planning, nutrition compliance, and staff coaching to deliver nutritious, appealing meals for residents.

Work closely with nursing, activities, and administrative teams to create person-centered dining experiences, while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance across the kitchen and dining areas.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary or dietary management certification preferred.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• 2+ years of experience in food service leadership, preferably in healthcare or senior living.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of food service operations, including meal planning, preparation, presentation, and sanitation.
• Ensure menus meet residents' dietary needs and physician orders, regulations.
• Monitor meal quality, kitchen efficiency, and resident satisfaction.
• Hire, train, supervise, and schedule dietary team members.
• Provide coaching and performance feedback to grow your team.
• Foster a collaborative kitchen culture aligned with our mission and values.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to food safety.
• Maintain documentation and readiness for health inspections.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Modified diets

Food safety

Organization

Time management

Communication

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Team motivation

Education

High school diploma

ServSafe Manager Certification

Culinary/dietary management certification

Job description

Join Our Team as a Dietary Director!

Are you a service-minded culinary leader passionate about nourishing lives and creating memorable dining experiences? Health Dimensions Group, Inc is seeking a Dietary Director to lead our food services team with excellence and care. If you’re ready to inspire your team, elevate our dining program, and make a daily difference in the lives of our residents, we want YOU on our team!

At Health Dimensions Group, Inc, we’re all about making lives better—whether it’s for our residents, clients, or the incredible people who work with us (that’s you!). We believe in the power of hospitality, stewardship, integrity, respect, and humor®, and we bring those values to life every single day.

Now, let’s talk about YOU and why you’ll love this role:

What You’ll Do (AKA: Your Superpowers )

Lead Culinary & Nutritional Excellence:

• Oversee all aspects of food service operations, including meal planning, preparation, presentation, and sanitation.

• Ensure menus are nutritious, appealing, and meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences in accordance with physician orders and regulations.

• Monitor meal quality, kitchen efficiency, and resident satisfaction.

Inspire & Empower a Rockstar Team:

• Hire, train, supervise, and schedule dietary team members to deliver consistent, high-quality service.

• Provide coaching, ongoing education, and performance feedback that helps your team grow.

• Foster a collaborative, respectful kitchen culture aligned with our mission and values.

Stay Ahead of the Game with Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to food safety, sanitation, and dietary services.

• Maintain proper documentation and readiness for health inspections and surveys.

• Champion safe food handling practices and staff training.

Collaborate to Make It Happen:

• Work closely with nursing, activities, and administrative teams to create seamless, person-centered dining experiences.

• Support events, special meals, and family gatherings that bring joy to our residents.

• Participate in care planning for residents with specific dietary needs.

Promote Wellness & Enjoyment:

• Build strong relationships with residents and families to understand preferences and accommodate special diets.

• Continuously improve the dining experience through feedback, creativity, and innovation.

• Celebrate food as a source of comfort, connection, and community.

What You Bring to the Table (Besides Great Food)

Education & Certifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary or dietary management certification preferred.

• ServSafe Manager Certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Experience & Leadership:

• 2+ years of experience in food service leadership, preferably in a healthcare or senior living setting.

• Proven success managing kitchen operations, staff, and compliance standards.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of nutrition, modified diets, and food safety practices.

• Excellent organization, time management, and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask, stay calm under pressure, and keep the team inspired and focused.

Professional Traits:

• Passion for serving older adults and enhancing quality of life through food.

• Creative, dependable, and team-oriented with a great sense of humor and heart.

Perks & Benefits (Because You Deserve It!)

• Competitive pay & meal discounts

• Paid time off & flexible scheduling

• Health, dental & vision insurance for qualifying team members

• Ongoing training & career advancement

• A supportive, mission-driven team that appreciates your flavor every day

Health Dimensions Group, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.