The posting
Director of Culinary – Hillcrest Firethorn Location: Lincoln, NEService Line: Hillcrest Firethorn Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for an experienced, organized, and service-focused Director of Culinary to lead culinary operations at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln, NE. Hillcrest Firethorn provides a welcoming senior living environment where residents are supported with personalized care, meaningful connections, and enjoyable daily experiences. Our culinary team plays an important role in that experience by providing high-quality meals, thoughtful service, and a dining environment that residents can look forward to each day. At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. As the Director of Culinary, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Culinary Department and Bistro while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, facility policies, dietary requirements, and established quality standards. What You’ll Do As the Director of Culinary, you will provide leadership and operational oversight for the culinary department while maintaining strong standards for food quality, resident satisfaction, regulatory compliance, team performance, and financial stewardship. You will:
Plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operations of the Culinary Department and Bistro.
Ensure culinary operations remain compliant with federal and state regulations and facility policies.
Maintain accurate records related to department expenses, food costs, inventory, and other budgeted accounts.
Monitor department spending and help ensure expenses remain within established budget parameters.
Develop and implement training programs to keep culinary team members informed of best practices, regulatory changes, and facility policies.
Lead team meetings and other education or training opportunities.
Maintain high standards of kitchen sanitation and ensure compliance with regulatory and facility requirements.
Oversee resident and patient dietary care planning, including MDS and other required documentation.
Develop and maintain the CBORD dietary software system.
Ensure menu cycles meet established dietary requirements.
Oversee preparation of menu items and ensure food quality, appearance, presentation, and prescribed diet orders are consistently met.
Provide leadership and direction to culinary team members.
Evaluate departmental needs and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and service.
Assist the Administrator in determining staffing needs.
Participate in team member performance evaluations.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, compensation adjustments, and terminations.
Review departmental policies, procedures, manuals, and job descriptions at least annually.
Recommend and support changes to improve department operations.
Stay current on culinary, dietary, and regulatory best practices.
Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Work collaboratively with community leadership, nursing, and other departments to support the resident experience.
Assist with additional leadership responsibilities as assigned.
The role combines culinary leadership, budget oversight, regulatory compliance, menu and dietary management, team development, staffing, and quality improvement. What We’re Looking For We are looking for a culinary leader who can balance food quality, resident experience, operational efficiency, and strong team leadership. The right candidate will be organized, proactive, and comfortable leading a fast-paced culinary operation. You should be someone who understands that great dining involves more than preparing meals—it requires strong systems, consistent standards, thoughtful leadership, and attention to the individual dietary needs and preferences of residents. Ideal candidates will have:
Strong culinary leadership experience.
Experience supervising and developing culinary team members.
Previous senior living, healthcare, skilled nursing, or similar food-service experience preferred.
Strong understanding of dietary and food-service regulations.
Experience managing department budgets, food costs, inventory, and expenses.
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
Experience with menu planning and dietary requirements.
Ability to manage therapeutic and prescribed diets.
Experience with resident or patient care planning and required documentation.
Strong critical-thinking, planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify operational needs and implement effective solutions.
Experience with staffing, performance management, and team development.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with clinical, operational, and administrative leaders.
Strong attention to detail and consistent follow-through.
Ability to lead calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Comfort using culinary, dietary, and business technology, including dietary software systems.
Education & Credentials
High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least three years of supervisory experience in a culinary role required.
At least one year of experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
Certified Dietary Manager credential preferred.
Why Hillcrest? Dining has a direct impact on a resident’s quality of life. At Hillcrest Firethorn, the Director of Culinary has the opportunity to shape that experience every day—from the quality and presentation of meals to the strength of the culinary team and the systems that keep the department running smoothly. This role also has a meaningful operational impact. You will oversee budgets, staffing, regulatory compliance, training, dietary systems, and quality standards while working closely with other community leaders. For an experienced culinary leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving operations, and creating a positive dining experience for aging adults, this is an opportunity to make a visible difference throughout the community. What Hillcrest Offers
Competitive compensation.
Supportive community and operational leadership.
Multiple health insurance plan options for eligible team members.
Vision, dental, and life insurance.
Professional development support, including continuing education, certifications, and career-growth opportunities.
Dayforce Wallet, allowing you to choose when you get paid.
Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
Opportunity to lead and develop a dedicated culinary team.
Opportunity to influence resident satisfaction, quality, and operational performance.
Career-growth opportunities within a mission-driven senior care organization.
Physical & Other Requirements
Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
Must be able to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
Must be able to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, and movement as needed.
Must be flexible and calm when working with residents, families, or team members during stressful situations.
Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced culinary environment with strong attention to detail.
Must be able to utilize technology and available resources efficiently and effectively.
Must maintain knowledge of food safety, sanitation, dietary, and regulatory requirements.
Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
Other duties as assigned.
Ready to Lead a Culinary Team With Purpose? If you are an experienced culinary leader who takes pride in quality, service, team development, and creating an exceptional dining experience, we invite you to apply for the Director of Culinary – Hillcrest Firethorn position. Join Hillcrest Health & Living and help us continue inspiring people to live their best lives through strong culinary leadership, great food, and meaningful dining experiences.
