Recently acknowledged as a Best in Senior Living community by U.S. News & World Report, a career at Duncaster is more than just a place to work. Here, you can fulfill your passion for helping others and become part of something meaningful that pays you back in inspiring, heartfelt ways you may have never experienced. Duncaster offers residents a plan for life with independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services all on a beautiful campus-like setting. Our residents share a bond of mutual respect with our staff that builds memorable and lasting relationships.OverviewUnder the supervision of the Culinary Director, the Assistant Culinary Director is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the culinary and guest services departments. This role ensures that Duncaster's residents, guests, and staff receive an exceptional dining experience by focusing on quality, consistency, and resident satisfaction. The Assistant Culinary Director directly oversees all guest services positions, while assisting in managing kitchen operations, food quality, staff training, and resident engagement. The Assistant Culinary Director provides an essential role in budget management, staff scheduling, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.Essential Functions
- Oversees the hiring, training, and evaluating Culinary and Guest services staff, including Dining Room Servers and Hosts positions.
- Oversees direct report scheduling, performance reviews, and adherence to operational standards in collaboration with Guest Services Supervisor.
- Manages the day-to-day operations of the IL & AL dining rooms and the to-go servery area.
- Coordinates and leads daily pre-meal service meetings along with Guest Services Supervisor to ensure all staff understand menu details and service expectations.
- Conducts regular in-service training to enhance team performance and ensure compliance with hospitality standards.
- Supports Culinary Director in managing kitchen and dining operations, including oversight of meal quality, presentation, and dining room cleanliness.
- Supports department with catering needs for outside guests or internal parties.
- Along with the Guest Services Supervisor, inspects dining areas before and after each meal to maintain cleanliness and proper upkeep is maintained.
- Assists in planning and implementing dietary protocols and modified diet menus, ensuring nutritional standards.
- Collaborating with the Executive Chef, ensures that meals are prepared and served on schedule, meeting quality and quantity standards for residents and guests.
- Engages with residents during service periods to gather feedback and promote satisfaction.
- Responds promptly to dining-related resident inquiries and concerns, ensuring expectations are met. Presents all feedback to the Culinary Director in a timely manner.
- Supports event planning staffing needs and menu selection for resident and community events, in alignment with culinary standards.
- Assists in managing the Hospitality budget, including monitoring expenses and maintaining inventory within budgetary guidelines.
- Woking with Executive Chef and Team to track food production and supply use to optimize resources and reduce waste.
- Oversees ordering and inventory control to ensure availability of necessary supplies.
- Maintains compliance with food safety regulations, H.A.C.C.P. protocols, and Duncaster's safety policies.
- Ensures staff follow proper food handling, sanitation, and health standards.
- Monitors equipment and reports maintenance needs, ensuring kitchen and dining areas meet health and safety standards.
- Actively participates in resident and management meetings, contributing insights for quality improvements. Maintains daily / weekly monthly meetings with teams to ensure clear communication is always present.
- Takes on additional duties as required by the Culinary Director to support overall department needs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or a graduate from an accredited culinary school is preferred. High school diploma or equivalent with the completion of a culinary training program is required.
- 4 years of supervisory and operational experience in a high-volume upscale food service establishment such as hotels, restaurants, healthcare or retirement community is required.
- SERV Safe certification is preferred but must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
Environment and Working Conditions
- Ability to focus on task needs and perform intellectual executive functions as related to the functions of the kitchen operation.
- Ability to execute intellectual tasks and duties under conditions of high demand and distraction.
- Ability to complete the essential functions of the position with or with adaptive personal devices (e.g., hearing aid, corrective lenses).
- Ability to operate equipment and technology required for the position.
- Able to wear personal protective equipment.
- Must be able to communicate effectively.
- Able to assist with the evacuation of residents under emergency status to the best of their physical ability.
- Able to function independently with integrity and work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
- Able to constantly stand, walk, and move intermittently throughout the workday.
- Able to frequently push and/or pull a force of up to 15 pounds as relates to rolling food cart, box of food.
- Able to position oneself to access overhead, outward, mid-thigh, and floor level culinary items.
- Able to handle, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 35 pounds frequently.
- Able to frequently perform efforts and tasks as related to culinary work duties, as related to working at kitchen prep tables, procuring supplies or returning times to/from noted locations, floor level to overhead.
HoursMonday-Friday, 9:00am-7:00pm (Flex days) and every other weekendWhat are the benefits?Working in a Life Plan community will bring out the best in you. As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to pursue a truly rewarding career path, with multiple exciting benefits, including the following:
- 401(k) with match and profit sharing
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance available the 1st of the month after hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- 10% tuition discount on all degree and certificate programs at Charter Oak
- Free Access to our Aquatic & Fitness Center & to our beautiful walking trails throughout our campus
- Discount employee lunches
- Duncaster Spotlight Employee Recognition Program
- Referral bonuses
- Free parking
- Shoes for Crews - discounted safety shoes for all staff
- Yearly performance increases plus additional bonus opportunities
- Employee Appreciation Events held throughout the year by our own Funcaster Committee