Join Our Team as a Culinary Director / Culinary Supervisor!
*Majority of the time required is cooking in the Kitchen*
Do you have a passion for hospitality, creativity in the kitchen, and a heart for service? Whispering Oak Place is looking for a Culinary Director / Culinary Manager to lead our dining team and create meaningful mealtime experiences for our residents. If you’re ready to bring flavor, leadership, and care to every plate - we want YOU on our team!
At Whispering Oak Place, we’re all about making lives better - whether it’s for our residents, families, or the talented people who work with us (that’s you!). We believe in the power of hospitality, stewardship, integrity, respect, and humor®, and we live those values every single day.
Now, let’s talk about YOU and why you’ll love this role:
What You’ll Do (AKA: Your Culinary Superpowers)
Lead Culinary Excellence:
- Oversee all operations of the culinary department, including menu planning, food preparation, staffing, and budgeting.
- Create seasonal and therapeutic menus that are delicious, nutritious, and tailored to residents' tastes and dietary needs.
- Maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, cleanliness, and resident satisfaction.
- Work closely with the Registered Dietitian to ensure all regulatory and nutritional requirements are met.
Develop & Inspire Your Team:
- Supervise, train, and support culinary staff including cooks and aides.
- Create a positive, accountable kitchen culture where teamwork and communication thrive.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to help your team grow and succeed.
- Conduct daily performance audits to ensure service, safety, and sanitation standards are consistently met.
Deliver Amazing Dining Experiences:
- Ensure mealtimes are timely, well-presented, and enjoyable for residents.
- Coordinate food service for special events, holidays, and themed programs.
- Attend care plan meetings to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and understand resident preferences and needs.
- Lead resident food preference surveys and adjust menus and service accordingly.
Manage Operations with Purpose:
- Maintain inventory, order supplies, and manage food costs within budget.
- Prepare reports, meet financial goals, and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.
- Lead kitchen readiness for health inspections and licensing surveys with confidence and consistency.
What You Bring to the Table (Besides Great Recipes)
✔ Credentials & Experience:
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or eligible to sit for the exam
- Completion of an accredited nutrition services or food service management program (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum of 2 years in institutional food service management preferred
- Knowledge of therapeutic diets, quantity food prep, budgeting, and food safety standards
✔ Skills & Strengths:
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while staying organized and upbeat
- Proficient with kitchen technology, software systems, and standard reporting tools
✔ Physical & Schedule Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs and perform kitchen tasks like bending, reaching, and standing for long periods
- Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- On-call availability for community needs
Perks & Benefits (Because You Deserve It!)
- Competitive salary & bonus potential
- Flexible scheduling & generous PTO
- Health, dental & vision insurance for eligible team members
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Opportunities for training, certification, and career growth
- A warm, team-focused environment that values your leadership
Whispering Oak Place is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.