Director of Culinary

TerraBella Senior Living; Hillsborough (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TerraBella Senior Living in Hillsborough, NC, is seeking a Director of Culinary Services for its Fine Dining program. This role leads menu planning, policy development, and oversees food service operations across dining services for residents.

The ideal candidate has a culinary arts degree, 5+ years of management in food service, and a proven track record in safe, high-quality meal preparation in a senior living environment. Strong leadership and computer skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of management in food service.
• Food safety training completed.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills.
• Provides leadership and motivates others.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement food service policies and menus.
• Monitor food quality, temperatures, portions, and presentation.
• Oversee kitchen staff and ensure safe, sanitary operations.
• Order supplies and verify deliveries against orders.
• Conduct regular quality assurance audits.
• Manage budgets and control monthly expenditures.

Skills

Culinary management

Food safety

Leadership

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Computer skills

Education

Bachelors in Culinary Arts

Job description

TerraBella Senior Living proudly serves thousands of residents and families offering a full range of lifestyle and care options including Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and short-term Respite. With a foundation rooted in purpose, hospitality, and connection, TerraBella fosters communities where both residents and Team Members thrive.

As part of one of the largest senior living organizations in America, TerraBella communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2026. At TerraBella, culture, growth, and heart define who we are. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members’ professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

Director of Culinary Services - Fine Dining

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements food services policies, procedures, and job descriptions. Plans menus and menu cycles according to cultural and regional food preferences, and resident dietary guidelines. Adjusts recipes to appropriate yield.
• Monitors the quality and consistency of the food to include food temperatures, portion control, palatability and attractiveness of food, and implements changes to ensure quality according to established standards.
• Observes workers engaged in preparing, portioning, and garnishing foods to ensure that methods of cooking and garnishing and sizes of portions are as prescribed.
• Cooks and carves meats, and prepares dishes.
• Orders food and chemical supplies for the kitchen; receives and validates all food deliveries against order form.
• Inventories food items monthly.
• Conducts regular Quality Assurance Audits.
• Practices safe and sanitary food handling.
• Practices all safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Negotiates and signs food service agreements with vendors.
• Selects, schedules, and conducts orientation and in-service educational programs for personnel.
• Monitors monthly expenditures to include explanation of significant variances to ensure compliance with budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts program preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a food service environment.
• Must have successfully completed food safety training.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills.
• Provides leadership by exhibiting confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well.

Why Join Us

Discovery Senior Living Earned Coveted Great Place to Work Certification for 2025-2026!

A large part of what makes Discovery different from other companies in this industry is our willingness to embrace change. At Discovery Senior Living, we are constantly challenging how we are doing things to ensure the lifestyle we are offering our residents is absolutely the greatest value proposition in the marketplace. It’s just as important to us that the environment and culture for our team members are constantly refreshed. In addition, embracing and even encouraging change brings a never-ending supply of new energy to our business and our culture. That energy translates to other far-reaching positive impacts on our residents as well as our team members.

Find out what makes working at Discovery unique in the world of senior living. Discover Your Purpose!

Our Culture & Values

So often, what brings people together is deeply rooted in who we are and what we stand for. At Discovery Senior Living, we’re unified by certain, core values, which we call our “Pillars of Excellence.” They make up the fabric of our company, and include TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPASSION, HARD WORK and CREATIVITY.

Individually, they are our virtues, and together, they make up a roadmap which helps us foster innovation and success.

Benefits You’ll Enjoy

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and career growth opportunities, wellness-related benefits, and additional support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V

A Note to Applicants

This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of state-mandated and/or federally required background screenings, which may include criminal history checks, fingerprint-based screening, Level 2 background screening, registry verification, and other screenings required for healthcare and senior living roles with direct or indirect resident access.

Certain positions may be subject to additional requirements under federal programs, including CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid regulations, as well as state-specific licensing or regulatory agencies. Screening requirements vary by role and jurisdiction, and candidates must meet all applicable standards as a condition of employment. These measures support regulatory compliance and help maintain a safe, secure environment for residents, families, and team members.

Employment in Florida is contingent upon completion of a Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida AHCA requirements. Applicants will be required to complete fingerprinting and background screening through the AHCA Clearinghouse. For more information, please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.