Director of Culinary Services

At Arvum Senior Living, we proudly serve seniors through Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across eight states throughout the Gulf Coast and Midwest regions. Guided by our Pillars of Excellence, Arvum creates purpose‑driven communities where residents receive compassionate care and Team Members experience meaningful careers, strong culture, and opportunities for continued growth.

As part of one of the largest senior living organizations in the country, Arvum communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2026. We are committed to investing in our people through leadership development, training, and career advancement opportunities that empower our Team Members to thrive personally and professionally.

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.

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.

• Status:
  Full Time
• Schedule:
  
  Traditional leadership workweek with flexibility required based on business and operational needs that includes ensuring proper staffing of the culinary function at all times
• Location:
  
  Carroll, IA
• Rate of Pay: $55,000
• Travel: N/A

Welcome to Addington Place of Carroll, offering Assisted Living and GLOW® Memory Care in a cozy community where the day feels familiar and easy to settle into. Share a warm meal, step outside to relax on the patio, and move through the morning at a comfortable pace with supportive moments close at hand.

Throughout the week, residents can join programs like gentle exercise, art workshops, cooking sessions, guest speakers, and weekend movies, with special touches like musical performances under the stars. Whether the day feels social or quiet, the rhythm here is designed to feel welcoming, steady, and genuinely livable.

• 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
• Manage, 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

• 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…