Director Of Culinary

About the Company:

At Watermere at Southlake, we redefine senior living with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our opulent surroundings and compassionate team members create an environment that surpasses expectations.

Join us and become part of a team dedicated to enriching lives. At Watermere, we celebrate individuality, fostering deep connections and creating cherished memories. Experience the extraordinary at Watermere at Southlake. Together, we shape the future of senior living, offering an unparalleled experience that uplifts and inspires. We offer competitive pay and a true team environment. If you are looking for a challenging and highly rewarding career, we want to hear from you!

Why You Should Apply:

• Competitive pay and incentive program
• Great benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and more
• Excellent growth and advancement opportunities
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program
• Free Daily Meal
• Flexible working schedule

What You Will Do:

As the visionary leader of our culinary operations, the Director of Culinary is entrusted with shaping and executing the organization's culinary strategy. This dynamic role requires a passionate individual with a keen understanding of market trends, dedication to culinary innovation, and the ability to elevate our offerings. The Culinary Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring an exceptional culinary experience for residents, positioning our organization at the forefront of the industry. This role must be obsessed with achieving high customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and communicate a compelling culinary vision aligned with company goals.
• Design and implement a strategic culinary roadmap, considering trends, preferences, and industry best practices.
• Analyze recipes to assign prices based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
• Lead the creation of innovative menus reflecting culinary excellence.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef for high-quality, on-trend dishes.
• Establish and enforce culinary standards for quality and consistency.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with culinary guidelines.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of Culinary professionals.
• Foster a culture of creativity, learning, and collaboration in the culinary department.
• Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers for the finest ingredients.
• Negotiate contracts and manage procurement for cost optimization.
• Work with the finance team to develop and manage the culinary budget.
• Implement cost-control measures while maintaining excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align culinary initiatives with business objectives.
• Determine production schedules and staff requirements for timely services.
• Present goals and answer to OKRs and KPIs in board meetings and committee meetings.
• Continuously research and stay abreast of Culinary trends, innovations, and emerging technologies to ensure the culinary program remains cutting-edge.
• Conduct regular training sessions for kitchen staff to enhance skills, introduce new techniques, and reinforce safety protocols.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and materials that highlight the culinary offerings and drive resident engagement.
• Implement and manage a robust quality assurance program, including taste tests, to maintain high food standards.
• Lead food trials and tastings to gather feedback, refine recipes, and ensure resident satisfaction.
• Stay informed about and comply with health and safety regulations, ensuring that the kitchen operates in accordance with all relevant standards.
• Implement and maintain efficient inventory management systems to minimize waste and control costs.
• Spearhead the development and execution of special events, culinary pop-ups, and themed dining experiences to enhance the overall dining offerings.
• Regularly assess customer feedback and implement improvements to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources department to ensure fair and effective employee performance evaluations, addressing any performance issues and recognizing outstanding contributions.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with other culinary professionals, local businesses, and educational institutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position falls under the direct supervision of the Executive Director but is expected to perform independently and exercise good judgment. This position supervises, directs, and reviews the work of other employees and participates in performance and disciplinary actions.

Why You Are Qualified:

• Proven experience as a Culinary Director or in a similar executive culinary role.
• Minimum five years leading culinary teams of 10 or more.
• Minimum eight years in food preparation and service in a hospitality environment.
• ACF certification preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients.
• Food Manager and TABC certification.

Knowledge Skill and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service.
• Creative thinking and a passion for pushing culinary boundaries.
• Adequate business acumen.
• Knowledge of high-end institutional food service principles, including planning, preparation, cooking, storage, dietetics, and sanitation.
• Proven ability to lead a diverse culinary team.
• Ability to move about inside the office, buildings, and outside.
• Operation of office equipment (computer, calculator, copy machine, printer).
• Ascending and descending stairs to access different buildings.
• Exposure to some physical and/or mental safety risk.
• Tolerance for occasional exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise.
• Willingness to work beyond regular hours and on weekends as necessary.
• Operation of kitchen equipment.

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Hired candidates will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check, valid references, pre-employment drug test, physical and proof of employment eligibility. EOE.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you are passionate about Senior Living and service we would love to hear from you. Join our team and make a difference!