Culinary Manager at Anacortes of Cascadia – Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes Health and Rehabilitation is a skilled nursing facility located in Anacortes, Washington. We are looking for a Culinary Manager to lead our day-to-day dining operations.

As the Culinary Manager, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Culinary Department in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations, company policies and procedures, and as directed by the facility’s Chief Executive Officer. In this role, you will work in collaboration with the designated Registered Dietitian to ensure that qualify food service and nutritional care is provided to the facility residents.

What You'll Do

• Lead, plan, and oversee all culinary operations in alignment with company policies and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure departmental compliance through routine inspections, audits, evaluations, and action planning.
• Actively participate in performance improvement initiatives, interdisciplinary committees, and the long-term care survey process, including survey preparedness, onsite participation, and plan of correction development.
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with facility leadership and all departments, routinely reporting risks, needs, and improvement opportunities to the CEO.
• Manage departmental budgeting, purchasing, inventory control, and expense tracking within approved financial parameters.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise Culinary Department staff to ensure adequate coverage and high standards of performance.
• Provide ongoing staff education, conduct in-services and departmental meetings, and complete performance evaluations with appropriate coaching and corrective action.
• Partner with the Registered Dietitian to develop, implement, and maintain regular and therapeutic menus that meet physician orders, regulatory standards, and resident preferences.
• Monitor meal service operations to ensure food quality, safety, presentation, temperature control, and timely service across all dining locations.
• Ensure accurate processing of diet orders, nourishment plans, supplements, and tray cards.
• Conduct meal rounds and regularly engage residents, families, and staff to gather feedback and improve the dining experience.
• Oversee sanitation, food safety, and infection control practices to prevent foodborne illness.
• Stay current on long-term care regulations, food safety standards, and industry trends, and incorporate best practices as appropriate.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion while upholding the company’s Code of Business Conduct and professional standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and work collaboratively across the facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: starting at $28/hour, depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supportive leadership and growth opportunities

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in large-quantity food preparation
• At least one (1) year of experience in a supervisory or leadership role
• ServSafe Food Safety Certification
• Food Handler Permit, as required by state regulations
• One or more of the following credentials:
  • Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
  • Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) through the Dietary Managers Association
  • Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  • Certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and clearances in accordance with state regulations prior to resident contact
• Preferred Qualifications: degree in dietetic technology, dietetics, culinary arts, or foodservice management; experience working in a skilled nursing or long-term care environment; experience with therapeutic diet preparation and physician-ordered diets

Note: All employees of Cascadia Healthcare are required to submit and be cleared to work in the facility per each state’s specific background check requirements prior to contact with patients/residents.