Dining Services (Culinary) Director

At Aviva River Bend, every day is an opportunity to help our residents experience joy and comfort in a community designed with them in mind. Nestled along the scenic Zumbro River in Rochester, our facility offers an array of services, including assisted living, memory care, and respite care. 

This position makes a difference in one of our residents' favorite moments, their fine dining experience! Our menu is rich in options and carefully selected by our chefs, a perfect pairing for your outstanding leadership and meal preparation and presentation skills. 

Join us at Aviva River Bend and be part of a community that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of our residents, fostering a sense of comfort, connection, and joy every day. 

We are seeking a leader who can teach and lead a culinary team to create a great dining experience for our residents and guests and engender a sense of pride in our staff for their accomplishments in achieving this. Must be a team player that can work a flexible schedule and assist your team when needed.

Position Summary - This position manages and supervises the day-to-day culinary services operations within the community. The holder of this position leads by example through delivery of the highest nutrition and food quality for our residents and guest dining experience consistent with State specific regulations while utilizing the menu program.

• Maintain a positive working relationship with all residents, resident family members, and associates.
• Maintain a high degree of resident, family and guest satisfaction and retention through consistent delivery of high-quality services
• Effectively and appropriately communicate with each co-worker and community leader.
• Maintain a positive image with the community.
• Maintain an atmosphere of stability.
• Purchases all food and manages inventory ensuring effective cost controls and vendor service and quality using the provided system.
• Ensure all dining rooms, including the private dining room are fully always set.
• Cater events as requested by residents or leadership team for special meals and parties.
• Monitor and maintain proper food handling, storage, and usage of food.
• Monitor and maintain food quality, food temperatures, and portion control.
• Ensure special dietary needs are met and resident preferences are considered, and the food integrity is maintained.
• Implement and monitor systems for kitchen and dining room sanitation, temperature control, and equipment maintenance.
• Interact daily with residents to assure satisfaction with meals.
• Conduct monthly food committee meetings, follow up on comments and concerns, and retain records of meetings and resolutions.
• Maintain open communication with residents, staff, and families.
• Ensure daily or scheduled cleaning duties are completed according to assignment.
• Attend and participate in onboarding and annual training, in-services and team member meetings as requested.
• Maintain proper sanitation and safety in food preparation areas.
• Manage monthly food and supply budget in accordance with standards.
• Prepare the monthly staffing schedule for the dining department, and assure vacant shifts are properly covered.
• Consult with Dietitian on issues of menu planning, care planning, food preparation, therapeutic diets, etc.
• Always maintain a friendly demeanor to all our residents, resident families, and 3rd party providers.
• During all shifts, ensure the appropriate uniform is always worn.
• Ensure adherence to procedures regarding community infection control policies.
• Use cleaners and other hazardous materials according to department procedure.
• Immediately report and/or address any unsafe conditions or equipment problems.
• Continuously maintain knowledge of the policy and procedures.
• Actively participate in correcting deficiencies identified during internal and external surveys.
• Immediately report any workplace injuries immediately to your direct supervisor.
• Attend/Lead in-services, training, staff meetings, and department meetings.
• Complete and adhere to all other tasks and responsibilities set by the direct supervisor.

Job Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent training
• Technical or Professional License(s)/Certification(s) 
• SERVE Safe Certified
• Prefer additional certification in restaurant sanitation required by the State
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a high-volume, high-end food service environment (hotel/resort/senior living).
• Ability to read and write, follow written and oral instructions, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work with the elderly in a courteous and friendly manner, demonstrating patience and compassion.
• Ability to always perform duties with consideration for residents’ rights and demonstrate integrity and discretion in the care of residents and in handling their health information.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills.
• Knowledge of the principles of high-end institutional food service, including food planning, preparation, cooking, and storage; dietetics; sanitation.
• Solid technical and creative cooking skills.
• Proven ability to lead a diverse culinary team.

Full-time employees can take advantage of:

• Medical/Prescription Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off accrued up to 15 days per year.
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance available
• Company matching 401k 
• Available pay advance (daily pay)

Aviva Senior Living is designated a Great Place to Work and we are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.