Vice President of Culinary Innovation Position Summary
The Vice President of Culinary Innovation role ensures our American House residents and their families have an exceptional culinary experience by developing a modern and contemporary approach to culinary that meets the needs of the modern senior while also differentiating the American House brand. The VP of Culinary Innovation will also be responsible for creating an environment that encourages innovation in food offerings combined with consistent execution while addressing the operational and financial needs of the business.
Qualifications and Required Experience for Vice President of Culinary Innovation:
The Vice President of Culinary Innovation must have a passion to provide an amazing culinary experience that celebrates local ingredients, preferences and seasonal menus!
- Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food service Hotel Restaurant Management or related field
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive culinary senior management experience, hotel, restaurant, multi-unit and/or multi state experience preferred.
- Experience in all aspects of culinary operations, including restaurants, banquets, pub/bistros and in-room dining
- Demonstrated track record of producing culinary-driven business growth programs from concept to execution
- Advanced proficiency in budgeting, Profit & Loss, and business planning mandatory; ability to create and manage a high-level budget and assess for profit margin improvement opportunities
- Up to 40% travel; sometimes with short notice
Primary Responsibilities for Vice President of Culinary Innovation:
- Drive the launch and consistent execution of the American House “Best In Class” culinary standards, quality control, processes and procedures
- The ability to engage with all levels of the company, inspire team members, and promote results by fostering a collaborative partnership between our culinary department and our community operators.
- Be the lead product expert responsible for recommending, planning and managing the development of new and improved food and beverage products and processes across the portfolio.
- Identify consumer food trends, review resident feedback and competitive insights, and establish innovative food concepts in our strategic food program.
- Lead menu/recipe development and product improvement designed to positively impact the overall resident satisfaction.
- Responsible for adhering to all Health department regulations and SMC standards and expectations of food service safety, quality, freshness, and presentation.
- Proven executive leader for all culinary operations to include menu concepts and recipe standardization, food safety, food defense, food allergen management, food quality, labor, food cost control, production, waste control, purchasing and inventory control.
- Promoting the American House brand and engage with our communities, as well as develop relationships with local farmers and purveyors.
- Measure, analyze and report on revenues, productivity and other key metrics in order to optimize and adjust business plan to ensure success
- Lead results-driven strategic planning and execution by establishing department goals, objectives, and providing direction, guidance, and support to ensure the successful operation of the culinary department.
- Responsible for the management, training, employee engagement, and direction of the culinary staff.
- Provide leadership and culinary support for new community openings, new concepts, food-related life enrichment and wellness programs and year-round celebrations
- Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the ability to drive food as a major growth strategy and brand differentiator for American House.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations
- Registered dietitian preferred
- Must obtain and maintain a ServSafe® certification (Instructor Certification preferred) within 90 days of employment.
Company Overview
American House Senior Living Communities
Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities’ vision is to provide high-quality housing for senior at a price affordable for retirees and their families. That vision of excellence has endured for nearly 40 years and expanded to serve residents at a number of senior housing communities. Our mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve, providing an environment that fosters meaningful relationships. Our vision is to be an innovative senior housing company that created sustainable excellence and stakeholder value, with an unparalleled commitment to passionate care provided by compassionate people.