Director of Culinary Experience – Senior Living Dining

Cogir Senior Living; Madera (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Referral Program

Job summary

Cogir Senior Living is seeking a Director of Culinary Experience (Executive Chef) to lead dining services across our communities. You will manage food procurement, menu development, and budgeting while supervising a diverse culinary team.

Successful candidates will have 5+ years in food preparation and 3+ years of progressive kitchen leadership, with Serve Safe Manager certification and strong resident-centric service ethos.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years hands-on food preparation experience.
• At least 3 years of progressive management as an Executive Chef.
• Experience with menu development and events is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen and dining operations.
• Supervise culinary staff (BOH/FOH) including scheduling and performance reviews.
• Plan menus, prepare meals, and assist in back-of-house operations as needed.
• Maintain inventory of food, beverages, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure adherence to health codes and food safety standards.
• Forecast monthly and annual culinary budgets for food, labor, and supplies.
• Collaborate with staff and residents on menus and resident preferences.
• Strive for high resident and family satisfaction.
• Plan, prepare, and execute special events and themed meals.

Skills

Staff management

Budgeting

Menu planning

Leadership

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Culinary education preferred

Serve Safe Manager

Job description

Cogir Senior Living is seeking a Director of Culinary Experience (Executive Chef) to lead dining services across our communities. You will manage food procurement, menu development, and budgeting while supervising a diverse culinary team.

Successful candidates will have 5+ years in food preparation and 3+ years of progressive kitchen leadership, with Serve Safe Manager certification and strong resident-centric service ethos.