Director of Culinary

Director of Culinary Services
Location: Hillcrest Country Estates – Papillion, NE
Reports To: Administrator
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
About Hillcrest Country Estates
At Hillcrest Health & Living, our mission is to inspire people to live their best lives. Hillcrest Country Estates offers a full continuum of care in a vibrant, resident-centered community where hospitality, compassion, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do.
We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of Culinary Services to lead our dining and nutrition services with creativity, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to resident satisfaction.

Position Summary
The Director of Culinary Services is responsible for the overall management, leadership, and quality of dining operations across Hillcrest Country Estates. This role ensures high standards of food quality, safety, service, regulatory compliance, and team development while delivering an exceptional dining experience for residents, guests, and team members.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide visionary leadership to all culinary and dining services team members
• Oversee daily kitchen and dining operations across all service levels
• Develop menus that meet nutritional, regulatory, and resident-preference standards
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations
• Maintain high levels of resident satisfaction through quality, presentation, and service
• Manage departmental budget, labor, purchasing, and food cost controls
• Recruit, train, coach, and retain high-performing culinary team members
• Partner with Nursing, Operations, and Leadership to support resident care and experience
• Lead and sustain quality assurance, infection control, and sanitation standards
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to elevate dining innovation

Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or large-scale dining operations
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or equivalent preferred (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong knowledge of nutrition standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive operational excellence
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)

Why You’ll Love Working at Hillcrest
• Mission-driven organization focused on people and purpose
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day

Ready to Lead with Purpose?
Join a team where food, service, and community truly matter. Apply today to become part of the Hillcrest family.