Culinary Services Director: Menu Innovation & Experience

Forefront; Arkansas; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Forefront is seeking a Director of Culinary Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all culinary and dining programs across residential dining, retail, and catering. The role focuses on menu innovation, regulatory compliance, client and resident satisfaction, and development of high-performing teams.

The position is exempt salaried with hours including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, and requires travel for company meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations including production, menu execution, catering, and special events.
• Ensure high-quality, scratch or fresh-prepared food 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 a culture of 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 in a highly professional manner.
• Execute corporate programs, standards, and culinary initiatives.
• Support special events, marketing initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Lead openings, renovations, and concept changes when applicable.
• Occasional travel for company meetings by car and/or plane may be required
• Responsible for acting in conformance with all facility and departmental policies and procedures including HR, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Health and Safety regulations, Compliance requirements, Patient Rights, Confidentiality, and HIPAA.
• Attends department meetings as required.
• Demonstrates accountability to personal/professional growth and any required certification/licenses, if applicable.
• Completes mandatory training and competencies annually.

Job description

Forefront is seeking a Director of Culinary Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all culinary and dining programs across residential dining, retail, and catering. The role focuses on menu innovation, regulatory compliance, client and resident satisfaction, and development of high-performing teams.

The position is exempt salaried with hours including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, and requires travel for company meetings.