Director of Culinary Services
Culinary & Hospitality
3+ years
Culinary management credentials valued; ServSafe required
$33–$38/hr
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Overview
Job Description
The Director of Culinary Services holds one of the most visible leadership roles in an aging services community. Dining is central to resident quality of life — and this director is responsible for the entire culinary and hospitality experience, from kitchen operations to front-of-house service.
Responsibilities include overseeing all food service operations, managing and supporting the culinary and hospitality team, ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, collaborating with the Registered Dietitian on nutritional programming, managing culinary budgets and vendor relationships, and helping shape the dining culture that makes a community feel like home.
This role calls for both culinary expertise and people leadership. The best culinary directors understand food deeply, lead their teams with clarity and care, and take genuine pride in the role that meals play in residents’ daily lives.|
Education Requirements
Requirements vary by employer. In Minnesota nursing facilities, Directors of Food and Nutrition Services must meet federal qualification standards through approved education, certification, or experience pathways, as well as any applicable state requirements. Employers often prefer candidates with food service management experience, a current ServSafe Manager Certification, and leadership experience in healthcare or long-term care settings.
A Day In This Role
A typical day might start with a walk-through of the kitchen and dining room before breakfast service, followed by a team check-in with kitchen and front-of-house staff. Mid-morning might include a budget review and vendor call, followed by a collaborative meeting with the Registered Dietitian on upcoming menu changes. Afternoons often involve one-on-ones with team members, quality monitoring of the dinner service, and planning for a community event.
Advancement Opportunities: Where this role can take you
Cross-Pathway Note: Directors of Culinary Services who develop strong operational expertise in aging services sometimes move into broader community leadership roles — including Licensed Assisted Living Director or LNHA positions that value multi-department management experience.