Culinary Services Director — Innovative Healthcare Dining Leader

Forefront; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

401(k)

Pet insurance

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Forefront is seeking a Director Culinary Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all culinary and dining programs within a healthcare environment. You will drive menu innovation, safety compliance, client satisfaction, and high-performing teams across residential dining, retail, and catering.

The role requires managing budgets, food and labor costs, purchasing, and vendor partnerships while upholding the highest standards of safety and sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations including production, menu execution, catering, and special events.
• Ensure high-quality food delivery aligned with Forefront standards.
• Develop and execute seasonal menus, resident-driven programs, and special dining events.
• Maintain presentation, taste, and service standards at all times.
• Champion innovation, resident engagement, and culinary experience enhancement.
• Own food cost, labor cost, and controllable expense performance.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and purchasing strategies.
• Implement inventory controls, ordering systems, and waste reduction programs.
• Deliver financial results aligned with contractual and company targets.
• Partner with the General Manager and Regional leadership on performance strategy.
• Recruit, train, develop, and retain high-performing culinary teams.
• Lead Sous Chefs, Managers, Supervisors, and frontline culinary staff.
• Build bench strength, succession planning, and training programs.
• Foster accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and pride.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action when needed.
• Ensure full compliance with health department, ServSafe, HACCP, OSHA, CMS, and company standards.
• Lead kitchen sanitation, food safety, and inspection readiness at all times.
• Maintain documentation, training logs, and audit readiness.
• Drive a strong culture of food safety and workplace safety.
• Partner with residents, patients, clients, and leadership to drive satisfaction.
• Participate in resident councils, food committees, tastings, and feedback sessions.
• Respond proactively to concerns and continuously improve the dining experience.
• Represent Forefront and the culinary program professionally.
• Execute corporate programs, standards, and culinary initiatives.
• Support special events, marketing initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Lead openings, renovations, and concept changes when applicable.

Job description

Forefront is seeking a Director Culinary Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all culinary and dining programs within a healthcare environment. You will drive menu innovation, safety compliance, client satisfaction, and high-performing teams across residential dining, retail, and catering.

The role requires managing budgets, food and labor costs, purchasing, and vendor partnerships while upholding the highest standards of safety and sanitation.