Culinary Manager

Colfax Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid vacation and sick time

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Team-oriented environment

Resident relationships opportunities

Job summary

Cascadia Healthcare seeks a Culinary Manager to lead the Culinary Department in Kentucky, ensuring outstanding dining services aligned with nutrition and resident well-being. You will oversee menu execution, staff leadership, budgeting, compliance, and food safety, collaborating with the Registered Dietitian and leadership team to deliver high-quality resident experiences.

We value seasoned culinary professionals who can manage large-scale operations, develop therapeutic menus, and coach a

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a culinary or food service setting.
• Strong knowledge of sanitation and safe food handling practices.
• Understanding of nutrition principles and therapeutic diets.
• Experience with large quantity food production and hospitality operations.
• Knowledge of long-term care regulations and food service compliance standards preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of the Culinary Department.
• Plan, implement, evaluate, and improve culinary services and programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and food safety standards.
• Lead staffing, scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee menu execution and customization with the Registered Dietitian.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships within budget.
• Monitor meal quality, temperatures, and service standards across dining locations.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Budgeting

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Nutrition knowledge

Team development

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in dietetic technology / dietetics / culinary arts / foodservice management (preferred)

Job description

Description

Culinary Manager

This is a working Manager position - working some shifts as cook/aide.

Lead with Purpose. Serve with Heart.

At Cascadia Healthcare, great food is about more than nutrition. It's about comfort, dignity, and creating meaningful experiences for our residents every day. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Culinary Manager to lead our Culinary Department and ensure the delivery of exceptional dining services that enhance resident well-being and satisfaction.

As the Culinary Manager, you will oversee all aspects of food service operations, including menu execution, staff leadership, budgeting, regulatory compliance, food safety, and resident satisfaction. Working closely with the facility's Registered Dietitian and Executive Leadership Team, you will help create outstanding dining experience while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and nutritional care.

Lead Culinary Operations

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Culinary Department.
• Plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve culinary services and programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and food safety standards.
• Maintain readiness for state surveys and inspections and lead corrective action efforts when needed.

Deliver Exceptional Resident Dining Experiences

• Partner with the Registered Dietitian to develop and customize regular and therapeutic menus.
• Ensure physician-ordered diets are accurately implemented and maintained.
• Gather resident feedback through meal rounds, resident councils, and direct interactions to continuously improve dining services.
• Monitor meal quality, presentation, temperatures, and service standards across all dining locations.

Manage Food Safety & Quality

• Ensure food is received, stored, prepared, and served according to sanitation and food safety regulations.
• Oversee food production processes that preserve nutritional value, flavor, appearance, and quality.
• Monitor nourishment, supplement, and meal distribution to ensure residents receive appropriate nutritional care.

Develop and Lead Your Team

• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop Culinary Department staff.
• Create schedules that maintain appropriate staffing levels and support operational needs.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing education and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

Manage Resources & Department Performance

• Oversee purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships to maintain adequate supplies within budget.
• Monitor departmental expenditures and communicate budgetary needs to facility leadership.
• Participate in performance improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary committees.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and resident satisfaction.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.
• Understanding of nutrition principles and therapeutic diets.
• Experience with quantity food production and hospitality operations.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop teams.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with residents, families, staff, and leadership.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of long-term care regulations and food service compliance standards preferred.

Why Join Cascadia Healthcare?

At Cascadia Healthcare, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents every day. We value leaders who are committed to hospitality, quality care, innovation, and creating positive experiences through exceptional food service.

Other Benefits of Joining Cascadia Healthcare:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

401(k)

Paid Vacation and sick time.

Life, short, and long-term disability insurance.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Supportive, team-oriented environment.

Opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents and families.

A workplace that values compassion, leadership, and growth.

If you're a culinary professional who thrives in leadership and is passionate about serving others, we'd love to hear from you.

Important Information

All employees of Cascadia Healthcare must successfully complete and clear all state-required background check requirements before having contact with patients or residents.

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Degree in dietetic technology, dietetics, culinary arts, or foodservice management preferred.

Licenses/Certification

• Food Handlers permit if required per state regulations.
• ServSafe Food Safety Certification required.
• One or more of the following required:
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM),
• Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) with the Dietary Manager’s Association
• Dietetic Technician, Registered, with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association; or,
• Certification with the American Culinary Federation
• Valid driver’s license

Experience

• Two years’ experience in large quantity food preparation required.
• One year of experience in a supervisory role required.
• Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.
• One year of experience with therapeutic diet preparation preferred.