Director of Culinary Development

Overview

Are you a Director of Culinary Development looking to work for an amazing organization by serving others and connecting with your co-workers?

Immanuel Communities is seeking a Director of Culinary Development to work at Immanuel Home Office (The LINK), located at 1044 North 115th Street, Omaha, NE  68154, with frequent visits to Immanuel senior communities and Pathways centers in the Omaha metro, Lincoln, and Des Moines regions. This is an on-premises position. 

Pay will be based upon experience, certifications, skills and education.

Best in Class Benefits can be found at Immanuel:

• HEALTH: Medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• LIFE INSURANCE: Employer Paid Life Insurance
• TIME OFF: Paid Time Off - accruing from day one of employment, Floating Holidays, Paid Holidays, 8 hours of Volunteer Time Off per year
• RETIREMENT: 401K with employer match
• WELLNESS: Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program
• GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Advancement opportunities (as appropriate) – we look to grow from within our organization, Education Assistance Program – we invest up to $5,250 per year for education assistance paid up front
• Plus many more benefits!

Job Duties & Skills Required

What You Will Do  

The Director of Culinary Development provides strategic leadership for culinary operations across all Immanuel service lines, driving excellence, innovation, and consistency in the dining experience. This corporate leadership role is responsible for designing and implementing forward-thinking culinary programs, cultivating and developing culinary leaders, ensuring exceptional food quality and dining experiences for senior residents, and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory standards.

Working collaboratively with executive leadership, culinary teams, and vendor partners, the Director of Culinary Development advances Immanuel's commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and dining services that enhance resident satisfaction and well-being. This position plays a critical role in shaping the organization's culinary vision while fostering a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and service innovation. This position supports and exemplifies Immanuel's Mission and CHRIST Promises in all aspects of leadership and service.

Skills & Requirements

Key Areas

Key Responsibilities and Duties of the Job

Operations

• Oversee the menu planning, recipe development, and food preparation processes to ensure a diverse, nutritious, and appealing dining experience for residents.
• Assist with the culinary vision and strategy, aligning with the overall goals and objectives of the senior living community.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote culinary offerings, develop promotional materials, and organize special events or themed meals.
• Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures for Culinary Operations. 
• Evaluate and select food and equipment vendors, lead cost negotiations and maintain standardization for contracts, while maintaining strong relationships to ensure quality products and services at competitive prices.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new culinary techniques, and dietary requirements for seniors, and incorporate them into menu planning and culinary operations.

Financial

• Collaborate with the executive team to create and manage the culinary budget, including cost control measures and vendor negotiations.
• Oversee any renovation or new capital projects related to culinary operations.

Staff Management

• Set standards for development and education of kitchen and dining staff members.
• Provide guidance and support/coaching as needed, in collaboration with the Regional Culinary GM, to enhance/improve managerial skills of team members.
• Lead and mentor the culinary team, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure high standards of food quality and service.

Resident Satisfaction

• Foster positive relationships with residents, their families, and staff, actively seeking feedback and implementing changes to enhance the dining experience.
• Monitor and analyze customer satisfaction metrics, dining trends, and resident feedback, implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Provide input and/or support with community challenges.

Compliance

• Conduct regular audits and inspections to maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations, ensuring a safe and clean environment in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Create and implement Food Standard Operating procedures.
• Work in collaboration with all departments at Home Office to ensure compliance with all Immanuel and regulatory policies.

Other

• Collaborate and assists with Special Events (Community and Home Office).
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education-

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Hotel/Restaurant Management or Administration, Food Science or related field is required.
• Certified Dietary Manager is preferred.
• Equivalent years of experience may substitute for education requirement.

Experience-

• Eight (8) years of culinary, food service, or related experience is required.
• Five (5) years of supervisory/management experience with increasing responsibility.
• Multi-site operations management experience is preferred.
• Experience or knowledge in healthcare or senior living services is preferred.
• Equivalent years of education may substitute for experience requirement.

Other Requirements –

• ServeSafe Certification is required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required.

Immanuel

At Immanuel, we believe that our success is built on the collective strength of our people.  Here’s why you’ll thrive as part of our team:

•  Meaningful work: You won’t just have a job; you will have a purpose.  Our Mission impacts the lives of our residents/participants and their families, one another, and our community.
• Growth Opportunities: We invest in your development.  Whether it’s mentorship, training, or advancement, we’re committed to your growth.
• Inclusive Culture: We celebrate uniqueness and foster an environment where everyone feels valued.
• Work-Life Harmony: We believe in allowing you to thrive by leveraging your passion.  Achieve your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life harmony.
• Total Rewards: A focus on feedback and recognition, competitive compensation, a robust benefits package, and perks beyond the basics.
• Intentional Experience: We are very intentional about your employee experience, from Day One Orientation to how we onboard new managers and invest in quarterly and annual leadership training.  

 Join us at Immanuel and be a part of something extraordinary.  Your journey starts here.

• Immanuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.
• A background check and drug screen will be required prior to hire.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.