Culinary Director

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Team as a Culinary Director / Culinary Manager!

Do you have a passion for hospitality, creativity in the kitchen, and a heart for service? Morning Star Village is looking for a Culinary Director in Rockford, IL to lead our dining team and create meaningful mealtime experiences for our residents. If you’re ready to bring flavor, leadership, and care to every plate—we want YOU on our team!

At Morning Star Village , we’re all about making lives better—whether it’s for our residents, families, or the talented people who work with us (that’s you!). We believe in the power of hospitality, stewardship, integrity, respect, and humor® , and we live those values every single day.

Now, let’s talk about YOU and why you’ll love this role:

What You’ll Do (AKA: Your Culinary Superpowers)

Lead Culinary Excellence:

• Oversee all operations of the culinary department, including menu planning, food preparation, staffing, and budgeting.

• Create seasonal and therapeutic menus that are delicious, nutritious, and tailored to residents' tastes and dietary needs.

• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, cleanliness, and resident satisfaction.

• Work closely with the Registered Dietitian to ensure all regulatory and nutritional requirements are met.

Develop & Inspire Your Team:

• Supervise, train, and support culinary staff including cooks and aides.

• Create a positive, accountable kitchen culture where teamwork and communication thrive.

• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to help your team grow and succeed.

• Conduct daily performance audits to ensure service, safety, and sanitation standards are consistently met.

Deliver Amazing Dining Experiences:

• Ensure mealtimes are timely, well-presented, and enjoyable for residents.

• Coordinate food service for special events, holidays, and themed programs.

• Attend care plan meetings to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and understand resident preferences and needs.

• Lead resident food preference surveys and adjust menus and service accordingly.

Manage Operations with Purpose:

• Maintain inventory, order supplies, and manage food costs within budget.

• Prepare reports, meet financial goals, and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.

• Lead kitchen readiness for health inspections and licensing surveys with confidence and consistency.

What You Bring to the Table (Besides Great Recipes)

✔ Credentials & Experience:

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or eligible to sit for the exam

• Completion of an accredited nutrition services or food service management program (or equivalent experience)

• Minimum of 2 years in institutional food service management preferred

• Knowledge of therapeutic diets, quantity food prep, budgeting, and food safety standards

✔ Skills & Strengths:

• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while staying organized and upbeat

• Proficient with kitchen technology, software systems, and standard reporting tools

✔ Physical & Schedule Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and perform kitchen tasks like bending, reaching, and standing for long periods

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

• On-call availability for community needs

Perks & Benefits (Because You Deserve It!)

• Competitive salary & bonus potential

• Flexible scheduling & generous PTO

• Health, dental & vision insurance for eligible team members

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Opportunities for training, certification, and career growth

• A warm, team-focused environment that values your leadership

Morning Star Village is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.