Culinary Services Director — Senior Living Leader

Discovery Senior Living; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus potential

Job summary

Discovery Commons San Pablo in Jacksonville, FL seeks a Director of Culinary Services to lead the Culinary Services Department, shaping menu planning, staffing, food quality, safety, and budget performance. This on-site role drives resident satisfaction and operational excellence.

The position requires 5+ years of culinary leadership in high-volume settings, a Food Safety Certification, and strong leadership and cost-control skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships)
• Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking and staff oversight
• Food Safety Certification required
• Strong knowledge of sanitation, food handling, and loss prevention practices
• Culinary training or certification preferred
• Experience with menu engineering, cost controls, and vendor management
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems
• Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus—but only if paired with demonstrated high service standards
• Ability to work in kitchen environments
• Oversight of food safety audits and inspections
• Exposure to high-pressure operational deadlines
• Ability to lift or assist with kitchen operations as needed
• Participation in rotating on-call schedule or Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities required

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations while participating in meal preparation and service
• Plan and execute menus that meet resident dietary guidelines and preferences
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation; implement improvements as needed
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and dietary standards
• Conduct food safety audits and quality assurance checks
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor contracts
• Manage budgets, monitor costs, and take corrective action when needed
• Manage, recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate culinary staff
• Lead orientation and in-service training programs for team members
• Engage with residents during mealtimes to ensure satisfaction and resolve concerns
• Collaborate with Executive Director and department heads to align food services with community goals

Skills

Culinary leadership

Staff management

Menu planning

Food safety

Budgeting

Vendor management

Kitchen operations

Leadership

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Kitchen management systems

Education

Food Safety Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Kitchen management systems

Job description

Discovery Commons San Pablo in Jacksonville, FL seeks a Director of Culinary Services to lead the Culinary Services Department, shaping menu planning, staffing, food quality, safety, and budget performance. This on-site role drives resident satisfaction and operational excellence.

The position requires 5+ years of culinary leadership in high-volume settings, a Food Safety Certification, and strong leadership and cost-control skills.