Food Service Director

WSLM Recruiting; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA options

PTO

Vacation benefits

401(k) match

Hotel discounts

Job summary

Legacy House of Mesa seeks a Food Services Director to lead the kitchen and dining operation, delivering a restaurant-style experience for residents, families, and guests with hospitality and dignity at the core. You will develop menus, manage procurement and budgets, ensure safety standards, and coach staff in a gracious, high‑quality service environment that enhances the resident experience.

The role offers competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for growth within Western States

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in food production, restaurant operations, and/or fine-dining service.
• Previous experience supervising and leading kitchen or food service staff.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to read and write English effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage food quality, staffing, inventory, and expenses simultaneously.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder level.
• Current ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain certification as required.
• Willingness and ability to work respectfully and compassionately with an elderly population.

Responsibilities

• Lead the effective and efficient operation of the main building kitchen and dining room.
• Develop varied, appealing menus that reflect resident preferences and support high levels of resident satisfaction.
• Oversee food ordering, inventory, storage, preparation, and production while maintaining appropriate budgets and expenditure controls.
• Ensure food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency meet or exceed company and resident expectations.
• Lead the delivery of meals in a fine-dining, gracious, and hospitality-focused environment.
• Maintain an elegant, clean, organized, and marketable dining room that creates a welcoming experience for residents and guests.
• Supervise, coach, and develop food production and kitchen staff while maintaining high standards for professionalism, cleanliness, hospitality, and service.
• Ensure consistent quality in food preparation and meal delivery.
• Partner with department heads and other leadership team members to support the overall resident experience.
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, visitors, and associates through exceptional hospitality and service.
• Maintain compliance with applicable health, safety, sanitation, infection control, and regulatory standards.
• Follow and reinforce all safety and infection control procedures.
• Address resident concerns and feedback professionally and use that information to continuously improve the dining experience.

Skills

Food production experience

Restaurant operations

Fine-dining service

Supervising kitchen staff

Communication skills

English reading/writing

Organizational skills

Lift up to 50 pounds

ServSafe certification

Compassion for elderly

Job description

Legacy House of Mesa

Food Services Director | Lead the Kitchen. Elevate the Dining Experience.

At Western States Lodging and Management, dining is about more than meals-it's about hospitality, connection, dignity, and creating experiences residents look forward to every day. We're looking for a Food Services Director to lead the kitchen and dining operation while creating an exceptional restaurant-style experience for our residents, families, and guests.

What's in it for you- Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Pay - annually.
• The starting rate is based on experience and qualifications. This position participates in our compensation program, which provides opportunities for future pay growth based on performance and career development.
• 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4%
• Hotel discounts at select Western States Lodging & Management properties

Eligible full-time associates are entitled to the following:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans plus Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Optional supplemental benefits, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and other coverage options.
• Personal Time Off (PTO) and Vacation benefits

What You'll Do

• Lead the effective and efficient operation of the main building kitchen and dining room.
• Develop varied, appealing menus that reflect resident preferences and support high levels of resident satisfaction.
• Oversee food ordering, inventory, storage, preparation, and production while maintaining appropriate budgets and expenditure controls.
• Ensure food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency meet or exceed company and resident expectations.
• Lead the delivery of meals in a fine-dining, gracious, and hospitality-focused environment.
• Maintain an elegant, clean, organized, and marketable dining room that creates a welcoming experience for residents and guests.
• Supervise, coach, and develop food production and kitchen staff while maintaining high standards for professionalism, cleanliness, hospitality, and service.
• Ensure consistent quality in food preparation and meal delivery.
• Partner with department heads and other leadership team members to support the overall resident experience.
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, visitors, and associates through exceptional hospitality and service.
• Maintain compliance with applicable health, safety, sanitation, infection control, and regulatory standards.
• Follow and reinforce all safety and infection control procedures.
• Address resident concerns and feedback professionally and use that information to continuously improve the dining experience.

What Makes You Successful

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in food production, restaurant operations, and/or fine-dining service.
• Previous experience supervising and leading kitchen or food service staff.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to read and write English effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage food quality, staffing, inventory, and expenses simultaneously.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder level.
• Current ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain certification as required.
• Willingness and ability to work respectfully and compassionately with an elderly population.

The kitchen operates smoothly, meals are consistently high quality, and residents look forward to dining each day. Your team is well-trained, engaged, and proud of the service they provide. Food and labor costs are well managed, regulatory standards are consistently met, and residents and families recognize your department for its hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Why Join Western States Lodging & Management?

Western States Lodging & Management is a leading property management company with a diverse portfolio that includes nationally recognized hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, Legacy Senior Living communities, and Nxt multifamily apartment communities throughout the western United States.

Our mission is simple: Serving You Like Family. That commitment extends beyond our guests and residents—it defines how we treat our associates and business partners. We believe that great people build great communities, which is why we invest in our team through meaningful work, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for long-term career growth. At Western States Lodging & Management, we encourage every team member to serve as an Ambassador of our values, a trusted Consultant who brings knowledge and solutions, a Collaborator who builds strong relationships through teamwork, and a Coach who is passionate and empowers others to learn, grow, and succeed.

Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find a workplace where your contributions are valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your potential is supported every step of the way.

Apply today and discover why thousands of associates have chosen Western States as the place to build a meaningful career.