Food Service Director - Senior Living Community

Food Service Director - Senior Living Community Location: Houston, TX 77077 Compensation: $100,000 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 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. 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 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.) 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Thomas Cuisine