Culinary Director | Lead Care-Focused Dining & Team

Penta Senior Living; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonus potential

Flexible scheduling + generous PTO

Health, dental & vision insurance

Job summary

Whispering Oak Place is seeking a Culinary Director to lead our dining team and deliver nourishing, chef-driven experiences for residents. You’ll oversee menu planning, budgeting, and staff development, ensuring safety and high-quality meals aligned with therapeutic diets.

Join a mission-driven team that values hospitality, integrity, and resident-centered care, with opportunities for advancement and ongoing professional training in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or eligible to sit for the exam.
• Completion of an accredited nutrition services or food service management program (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years in institutional food service management preferred.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets, quantity food prep, budgeting, and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations of the culinary department, including menu planning, food preparation, staffing, and budgeting.
• Create seasonal and therapeutic menus tailored to residents' tastes and dietary needs.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, safety, cleanliness, and resident satisfaction.
• Work with the Registered Dietitian to ensure regulatory and nutritional requirements are met.
• Supervise, train, and support culinary staff including cooks and aides.
• Lead kitchen culture with teamwork and communication.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to staff.
• Conduct daily performance audits for service, safety, and sanitation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Budgeting

Education

CDM certification eligible

Nutrition services/food service management program

Tools

Kitchen technology software

Food service software

Reporting tools

Job description

Whispering Oak Place is seeking a Culinary Director to lead our dining team and deliver nourishing, chef-driven experiences for residents. You’ll oversee menu planning, budgeting, and staff development, ensuring safety and high-quality meals aligned with therapeutic diets.

Join a mission-driven team that values hospitality, integrity, and resident-centered care, with opportunities for advancement and ongoing professional training in a supportive environment.