Director of Culinary Services (Senior Living) Job Listing at Discovery Management Group in Poughkeepsie, NY (Job ID 1000091)

Description

About Discovery Management Group

Discovery Management Group leads one of the nation's most purpose-driven and people-centered senior living organizations, managing and enhancing senior living communities across the United States. With a focus on operational excellence, lifestyle personalization, and culture-driven leadership, we proudly serve residents and families with more than 15,000 units nationwide and growing.

As part of one of the largest senior living families in the U.S., our communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2026. At Discovery Management Group, purpose guides our work, culture fuels our success, and growth defines our future. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members' professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

Discover Your Purpose with Us at The Landing of Poughkeepsie!

As Director of Culinary Services, you'll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day.

Your Role:

As the Director of Culinary Services, your role includes providing both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership of the Culinary Services Department. This includes responsibility for menu planning, staffing, food quality, safety, and budget performance. You'll play a vital role in resident satisfaction by creating memorable dining experiences while ensuring operational excellence.

Position Highlights:

• Status: Full Time
• Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday; varies between 6:00am–2:30pm, 8:00am–5:00pm, 10:00am–6:00pm, 11:00am–7:00pm
• Location: Fully on-site – Poughkeepsie, NY
• Compensation: $78,000–$82,000
• Bonus Eligibility: 10% Annual Performance Bonus 

Why You'll Love This Community:

At The Landing of Poughkeepsie Senior Living, abundant amenities, personalized services, and engaging activities create a formula for superb senior living. But The Landing is much more than just a place to live; it's a place to experience and enjoy life, every day. From our customized Assisted Living to personalized Memory Care, we offer a living option to fit everyone's unique needs, even if those needs may change over time. Here, exceptional lifestyle components include dining, social events and activities, wellness, and even traveling about town, all customized for each resident. Even better, restaurants, shopping, and medical resources are just minutes away and area attractions downtown Poughkeepsie, Greenvale Park and Vassar College.

What You'll Do:

• Lead daily culinary operations while participating in meal preparation and service
• Plan and execute menus that meet resident dietary guidelines and preferences
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation; implement improvements as needed
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and dietary standards
• Conduct food safety audits and quality assurance checks
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor contracts
• Manage budgets, monitor costs, and take corrective action when needed
• Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate culinary staff
• Lead orientation and in-service training programs for team members
• Engage with residents during mealtimes to ensure satisfaction and resolve concerns
• Collaborate with Executive Director and department heads to align food services with community goals

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships)
• Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking and staff oversight
• Food Safety Certification required
• Strong knowledge of sanitation, food handling, and loss prevention practices
• Culinary training or certification preferred
• Experience with menu engineering, cost controls, and vendor management
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems
• Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus—but only if paired with demonstrated high service standards
• Ability to work in kitchen environments as needed
• Oversight of food safety audits and inspections
• Exposure to high-pressure operational deadlines
• Ability to lift or assist with kitchen operations as needed

Why Join Us?

• Thrive in a purpose-driven environment that puts residents first
• Join a collaborative, supportive leadership team that values your voice
• Build meaningful connections and create lasting impact for residents and their loved ones

Benefits You'll Enjoy

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay with early access to earned wages, flexible scheduling, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and growth opportunities, meals and uniforms (where applicable), and additional perks such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), volunteer time off, and wellness-related benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V

A Note to Applicants

This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Please refrain from contacting hiring managers directly.

Employment Scam Warning

We only post jobs on our official careers site and accept applications through that platform. We do not conduct interviews via text or social media or ask for personal or banking information.