Food Service Director - Senior Living Community

REAL Food re-fined.

Food Service Director - Senior Living Community | Location: Houston, TX 77077

Compensation: $95,000 annually + 10% bonus potential | Full-Time

Schedule: TBD

Job Summary

We're seeking a high-impact, hands-on Food Service Director to lead a large, complex senior living community with multiple dining venues, a retail concept, and a robust catering program. This is a visible leadership role for a proven change maker-someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, drives consistency, holds teams accountable, and elevates both people and performance.

The Food Service Director brings Executive Chef-level expertise and strong operational leadership to deliver an exceptional dining experience while building a culture of excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement. This role requires confidence in client and resident interaction, sound judgment in problem-solving, and the ability to lead through complexity with clarity and empathy.

What You'll Do

• Provide overall leadership for all food service operations, including fine dining, retail service, and high-volume catering within a large CCRC environment
• Drive consistency, standards, and accountability across culinary execution, service, sanitation, and operational practices
• Serve as a visible leader within the community, engaging regularly with residents and clients to address concerns, solve problems, and enhance the dining experience
• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse team through clear expectations, strong people management, and performance accountability
• Oversee food safety, sanitation, quality improvement, and infection control while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Manage high-volume catering operations, special events, and retail service with a focus on quality, timing, and presentation
• Apply strong business acumen to control food costs, manage inventory, reduce waste, and support financial goals
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners to align service delivery with community expectations
• Bring Executive Chef-level expertise, including scratch cooking experience in fine dining, country club, or comparable high-volume environments
• Adapt quickly to change, proactively identify opportunities for improvement, and lead teams through transitions with confidence
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the community

What You Will Bring

• B.S. or A.A. degree in Food Services Technology/Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts; or four (4) years of Culinary and Operations related experience, required
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of direct food service operations management experience with inventory and purchasing knowledge
• Exceptional leadership skills with a knack for driving operational excellence
• Strong knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed service experience is desirable
• Skilled in change management and process improvement
• Strong ability to uphold compliance and culinary standards
• Proficient computer skills including various computer programs, Microsoft Office programs, e-mail, and the internet
• ServSafe® Certification and State Food Handler Card, required
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check (State and Federal) and a drug screen
• Ability to provide documents for work authorization

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

What We Offer!

• Life/Work Integration
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Baby Bonding Leave
  • Paid Elder Care Leave
  • Paid Time Off (Accrued)
  • Paid Holidays

• Health & Wellness
  • 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
  • Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
  • Voluntary HSA with Company Match
  • Voluntary FSA
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
  • Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

• Financial Wellness
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D
• Plus
  • A supportive, collaborative work environment
  • Opportunities for growth

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.