Director of Culinary

Director of Culinary at Modena Reserve at Bethesda Are you a culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, service-driven environment? Do you have a passion for hospitality and enriching the lives of others through food? At Solera Senior Living , we are looking for a Director of Culinary to join our team and lead dining services with creativity, compassion, and excellence. About Solera: Love to make a difference in the lives of seniors? At Solera Senior Living, we are led by our Core Values—Compassion, Commitment, Communication, Creativity—which guide our decision-making at every level of our company. We are a rapidly growing organization, and we’re always looking for dedicated individuals to grow with us. What Can Solera Offer You? A company that is growing—so you can grow too! Immediate pay access—no more waiting for payday! A team-oriented environment where collaboration and care matter 401(k) retirement savings plan Paid Time Off Perks and discount programs Employee Assistance Program for you and your family Position Overview: We are seeking a Director of Culinary to lead our culinary team and oversee the daily operations of our dining services. This leadership role is responsible for maintaining high-quality food service, ensuring resident satisfaction, and upholding compliance with all health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong culinary knowledge, a passion for hospitality, and experience managing kitchen operations in a residential or healthcare setting. Director of Culinary Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership: Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise dining services team members, fostering a positive and professional work environment. Food Service Management: Plan, prepare, and oversee meal service to ensure quality, consistency, and nutritional balance. Budget & Inventory Control: Maintain food cost budgets, track inventory, and ensure portion control while minimizing waste. Sanitation & Compliance: Enforce sanitation and safety standards in line with federal, state, and local regulations. Maintain all necessary certifications, including ServSafe/Food Handler’s Permit. Resident Engagement: Regularly engage with residents to accommodate dietary preferences and enhance the overall dining experience. Menu Planning: Develop and implement menus that meet residents’ nutritional needs while maintaining variety and appeal. Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records, including team member evaluations, purchase orders, and operational reports. Marketing & Community Engagement: Support community events by planning and preparing food for special occasions, tours, and marketing initiatives. Director of Culinary Qualifications: Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary training or food service management education preferred. Experience: Prior leadership experience in a food service setting, preferably in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality. Skills: Strong organizational, budgeting, and supervisory skills. Ability to train and mentor a team effectively. Personal Traits: Professional demeanor, excellent communication skills, and a passion for serving others. Join a company that values creativity, celebrates service, and makes every day delicious—for both our residents and our team members.