Culinary Services Manager

Sunol Creek Memory Care; Fort Madison (IA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

HSA Contributions

Paid Time Off

Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Professional Development

Employee Discounts

Recognition and Rewards

EPIC Leadership Culture

Job summary

The Kensington in Fort Madison, IA is seeking an experienced Culinary Services Manager to lead our dining program and develop a strong team. This full-time role focuses on delivering exceptional dining experiences for residents, with hands-on kitchen leadership and strong emphasis on menu development and cost control.

The role requires leading a culinary team, ensuring sanitation and safety standards, and engaging with residents and families to continually improve dining.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a culinary, dining, or food service team.
• Strong knowledge of menu planning, sanitation, and food safety.
• Willingness to work hands-on in the kitchen alongside the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead Culinary Operations: oversee dining program, kitchen operations, service standards, and resident dining experience.
• Develop Your Team: hire, train, coach, and inspire culinary staff.
• Create Memorable Dining Experiences: develop resident-focused menus balancing quality, variety, nutrition, and preferences.
• Lead from the Kitchen: stay involved in culinary operations, with hands-on cooking four days per week.
• Drive Operational Excellence: manage inventory, ordering, costs, workflow, sanitation, and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary

Hands-On Leadership

Resident Focus

Operational Mindset

Communication

Dependability

Driving

Job description

The Kensington | Fort Madison, IA | Full-Time

Schedule: Occasional Evenings & Weekends

Are You a Culinary Leader Passionate About Exceptional Dining?

Great dining is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about creating experiences that bring people together. At The Kensington, an Agemark Senior Living community, we’re looking for an experienced Culinary Services Manager to lead our dining program, develop a strong team, and create exceptional experiences for our residents.

Agemark is certified as a Great Place to Work, and our EPIC ACTS values of Excellence, Personal Investment, Celebration, Accountability, Compassion, and Team Spirit guide how we lead, serve, and support one another.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Culinary Operations: Oversee the community’s dining program, kitchen operations, service standards, and overall resident dining experience.
• Develop Your Team: Hire, train, coach, and inspire culinary team members while creating a positive and accountable workplace.
• Create Memorable Dining Experiences: Develop resident-focused menus and dining experiences that balance quality, variety, nutrition, and individual preferences.
• Lead from the Kitchen: Stay actively involved in culinary operations, including hands‑on meal preparation and support at least four days per week.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Manage inventory, ordering, food costs, kitchen workflow, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Build Relationships: Connect with residents, families, and team members to understand preferences, gather feedback, and continually improve the dining experience.
• Create Moments That Matter: Support celebrations, special events, and dining experiences that bring residents and the community together.
• Champion Our Culture: Lead by example and bring Agemark’s EPIC ACTS values to life every day.

What You’ll Bring

• Leadership Experience: Experience leading a culinary, dining, or food service team with the ability to coach, develop, and hold team members accountable.
• Culinary Expertise: Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, menu planning, sanitation, and food safety.
• Hands‑On Leadership: A willingness to work alongside your team and step into daily culinary operations when needed.
• Resident Focus: A genuine passion for creating meaningful experiences and providing exceptional service to older adults.
• Operational Mindset: Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Communication Skills: The ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with residents, families, team members, and community leadership.
• Dependability: Flexibility to support occasional evenings and weekends based on community needs.
• Driving Requirements: A valid driver’s license and good driving record for company vehicle use.

What We Offer

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options designed to support you and your family.
• HSA Contributions: Employer contributions to your Health Savings Account to help with eligible healthcare expenses.
• Paid Time Off: PTO starts accruing on Day 1, helping you make time for what matters outside of work.
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance: Added financial protection provided by Agemark.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support with five counseling visits per incident each year, a 24/7 Care Coordinator, appointment scheduling assistance, coaching, and digital resources.
• Professional Development: Leadership development, ongoing learning opportunities, and resources to support your continued career growth.
• Employee Discounts: Access savings on travel, entertainment, electronics, apparel, and more.
• Recognition and Rewards: Employee referral bonuses and programs that recognize meaningful contributions.
• EPIC Leadership Culture: Join a values‑driven organization where leaders are empowered to develop great teams and make a meaningful impact.

Bring your culinary expertise, leadership, and passion for creating exceptional experiences to The Kensington.

Agemark is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

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