Regional Culinary Experience Director

Sonida Senior Living; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonida Senior Living, a leading operator of senior living communities, is seeking a Regional Director of Culinary Experience to guide dining programs across multiple communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth market. You will lead culinary teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive resident-focused dining innovations.

In this role you will travel nationally up to 80% to support operations, mentor chefs, optimize menus, and partner with wellness and care teams to elevate nutrition, hospitality, and

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary arts, Food Science, or Hospitality or alternately with an Active CEC (ACF) Certification.
• CDM (ANFP) or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of dining/culinary leadership experience, preferably in senior living or healthcare.
• Regional Chef experience required.
• Knowledge of dietary guidelines for older adults, therapeutic diets, and food safety regulations.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee dining services operations for assigned communities, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to community-level dining leaders.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor operations, support teams, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Communicate company standards, expectations, and strategic priorities to drive alignment across communities.
• Monitor resident satisfaction through surveys, feedback, and direct engagement; implement improvements as needed.
• Partner with operations and resident care teams to support Wellness and personalized dining experiences.
• Manage regional dining budgets, food costs, and labor utilization in alignment with financial goals.
• Implement cost-control measures without compromising quality or resident satisfaction.
• Partner with procurement to ensure effective vendor relationships and supply chain efficiency.
• Monitor financial performance and identify trends or opportunities to improve profitability.

Skills

Hospitality Focus

Operational Excellence

Strategic Leadership

Adaptability

Must Cook with Love

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary arts, Food Science, or Hospitality

CDM (ANFP) or equivalent preferred

Active CEC (ACF) Certification

Job description

Sonida Senior Living, a leading operator of senior living communities, is seeking a Regional Director of Culinary Experience to guide dining programs across multiple communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth market. You will lead culinary teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive resident-focused dining innovations.

In this role you will travel nationally up to 80% to support operations, mentor chefs, optimize menus, and partner with wellness and care teams to elevate nutrition, hospitality, and