Culinary Director: Hospitality-Driven Dining Leader

Better Living; Dixon (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Holidays

Professional development

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Better Living is seeking a Culinary Director to lead dining operations, develop menus, ensure food safety compliance, and manage budgets. The role emphasizes hospitality, resident engagement, and occupancy growth through a heart-centered approach.

The position drives Better Living’s Resident-Led Initiative and Memory Care programs, focusing on an exceptional dining experience that reflects the brand promise: This is senior living, only better.

Qualifications

• 3+ years culinary leadership experience (senior living, hospitality, healthcare, or restaurant preferred).
• Experience managing kitchen staff and food budgets.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets preferred.
• ServSafe Certified (or ability to obtain).
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings/weekends for events.

Responsibilities

• Create a restaurant-style dining experience aligned with Better Living standards.
• Build meaningful relationships with residents and families.
• Implement Resident-Led Initiatives including menu input sessions and culinary committees.
• Ensure accommodations for preferences, allergies, therapeutic diets, and cultural needs.
• Partner with Life Enrichment to integrate food into purposeful programming.
• Support tour experiences and marketing events to drive occupancy.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Kitchen budget management

ServSafe Certification

Leadership

Communication

Flexible hours

Therapeutic diets knowledge

Job description

Better Living is seeking a Culinary Director to lead dining operations, develop menus, ensure food safety compliance, and manage budgets. The role emphasizes hospitality, resident engagement, and occupancy growth through a heart-centered approach.

The position drives Better Living’s Resident-Led Initiative and Memory Care programs, focusing on an exceptional dining experience that reflects the brand promise: This is senior living, only better.