Director of Culinary Experiences - Vetter Senior Living

Job Description

Job Description

Vetter Senior Living is seeking a next level leader to become our Director of Culinary Experiences. The Director of Culinary Experiences is a visionary and operational leader responsible for elevating the culinary and hospitality standards across Vetter Senior Living's Senior Living Communities--including skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living. This role blends clinical excellence with the artistry of five-star dining, ensuring that every resident enjoys meals that are not only nutritious but beautifully presented, thoughtfully served, and emotionally enriching.

Key Responsibilities

• Five-Star Culinary Vision
  • Design and implement dining programs that rival upscale restaurant experiences, tailored to the unique needs of older adults.
  • Curate menus that balance gourmet appeal with therapeutic and dietary requirements, using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
• Resident-Centered Experience Design
  • Create elegant, welcoming dining environments that promote dignity, engagement, and enjoyment.
  • Introduce themed dinners, chef's tables, and interactive culinary events.
• Multi-Site Operational Leadership
  • Oversee food service operations across all Vetter communities, ensuring consistency in quality, presentation, and service.
  • Partner with Director of Culinary and Dining Services to monitor compliance with CMS regulations, food safety standards, and clinical dietary guidelines.
• Team Development & Culture Building
  • Co-lead and mentor a network of culinary directors, chefs, and dining team members who embody our values of serving, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.
  • Provide training in hospitality service, culinary innovation, and person-centered care.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with nursing, wellness, and life enrichment teams to integrate dining into holistic resident care.
  • Engage with residents and families to gather feedback and continuously refine offerings.
• Quality Assurance & Performance Metrics
  • Establish KPIs for dining satisfaction, plating standards, service timeliness, and team engagement.
  • Conduct regular audits, site visits, and performance reviews to uphold five-star standards.

Qualifications

• Executive Operations Leadership : Experienced operations leader with 15+ years leading multi-unit hospitality and food service operations including restaurants and/or hospitality groups, including managing large teams and significant budgets.
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Growth : Expertise in developing long-range strategic plans, evaluating market opportunities, guiding expansion initiatives, and strengthening organizational infrastructure to support growth.
• Strong financial and business acumen , including P&L leadership, budgeting, forecasting, developing new concepts, improving existing brands, and ensuring great guest and customer experiences.
• People-focused leader who builds strong teams through clear communication, coaching, and a positive, accountable culture.
• Training, Onboarding & Talent Development: Builder of training programs, onboarding frameworks, and operational playbooks that drive consistency, team alignment, and long-term talent retention.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Passionate about transforming senior dining into a five-star experience.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and committed to culinary artistry and resident dignity.
• Skilled in project management and innovation.
• Skilled communicator and collaborator across disciplines and communities.
• Embraces innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning.