Director of Culinary

Company Description The Sharon at SouthPark (formerly Sharon Towers) is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Founded in the late 1960s by Presbyterian leaders in Charlotte, it has a long-standing reputation for service and compassion. The community is home to approximately 330 residents on a wooded 23-acre campus on Sharon Road in the heart of the SouthPark neighborhood. More than 220 full- and part-time team members support residents’ needs and help create a welcoming, high-quality living environment.Role Description The Director of Culinary is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in Charlotte, NC, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for residents across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. This role leads menu planning, recipe development, and food preparation to ensure high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals that accommodate varied dietary needs. The Director of Culinary manages kitchen and dining staff, oversees scheduling, training, and performance, and promotes a positive, service-focused team culture. Daily responsibilities include monitoring food safety and sanitation standards, managing inventory and vendor relationships, and controlling food and labor costs within budget guidelines. The Director collaborates closely with nursing, activities, and other departments to support resident satisfaction, special events, and an excellent overall dining experience.Qualifications Demonstrated leadership experience in culinary or food service management, preferably in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or a similar environment.Strong skills in menu planning, nutrition awareness, and accommodating specialized diets (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic, texture-modified) while maintaining quality and presentation.Proficiency in kitchen operations, including food preparation, production planning, inventory control, and vendor management.Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation regulations, and compliance requirements; ServSafe or similar certification strongly preferred.Ability to recruit, train, schedule, and develop culinary and dining staff, fostering a collaborative and respectful workplace.Experience managing budgets, monitoring food and labor costs, and implementing cost-effective practices without compromising quality.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with residents, families, team members, and leadership in a professional and courteous manner.Proficiency with basic computer applications and food service management systems for menu planning, ordering, and reporting.Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support resident dining and special events.