Senior Culinary Services Manager (6-Month Contract)

University of California - Los Angeles Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 68,400 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Manager, Culinary Services to oversee patient dining, retail food services, and catering. Lead a high-performing team to deliver high-quality food and compliant operations.

The role emphasizes menu development, staff coaching, cost controls, and adherence to Joint Commission and university standards, with a limited six-month appointment and salary range provided.

Qualifications

• Five years of large-kitchen food prep experience, with at least one year in supervision.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• English proficiency for clear communication.
• Strong leadership and ability to supervise a diverse team.
• Expertise in upscale and ethnic cuisine; strong culinary techniques.
• Ability to develop and standardize recipes for a large institutional kitchen.
• Knowledge of JCAHO, HACCP, and hospital standards.
• Strong problem-solving and accountability skills.
• Experience leading performance improvement initiatives.
• Solid mathematical skills for cost analysis.
• Proficiency in food management systems and basic computer operations.
• Certified Dietary Manager preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee diverse, high-quality menus for patient care, retail, and catering.
• Lead, coach, and develop culinary staff, including Senior Cooks and Diet Assistants.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, workflow, and daily kitchen operations.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Monitor food and labor costs, inventory, and waste to meet financial goals.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and regulatory standards (Joint Commission, UC, UCLA Health).
• Collaborate with clinical and operational leadership.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Staff development

Menu development

Cost control

Food safety

Operations management

Tools

Food management systems

Job description

UCLA Health in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Manager, Culinary Services to oversee patient dining, retail food services, and catering. Lead a high-performing team to deliver high-quality food and compliant operations.

The role emphasizes menu development, staff coaching, cost controls, and adherence to Joint Commission and university standards, with a limited six-month appointment and salary range provided.