Senior Culinary Leader – Patient Dining & Catering

UCLA Outpatient Clinics; California (MO); On-site; USD 68,400 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health is seeking an experienced culinary leader to oversee kitchen operations across patient dining, retail food services, and catering. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and help shape the dining experience at one of the nation’s leading academic health systems.

This position emphasizes cost control, menu development, staff development, and rigorous adherence to safety and quality standards within a premier healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and execution of diverse, high-quality menus for patient care, retail operations, and catering services.
• Lead, coach, and develop culinary staff, including Senior Cooks, Cooks, and Diet Assistants.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, workflow, and daily kitchen operations.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and service standards across all areas.
• Monitor food and labor costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste to support operational and financial goals.
• Maintain compliance with Joint Commission, University of California, and UCLA Health food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with clinical and operational lead

Job description

UCLA Health is seeking an experienced culinary leader to oversee kitchen operations across patient dining, retail food services, and catering. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and help shape the dining experience at one of the nation’s leading academic health systems.

This position emphasizes cost control, menu development, staff development, and rigorous adherence to safety and quality standards within a premier healthcare setting.