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Culinary Specialist

Clearwater Living
Newport, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/29/2025 CLOSED ON 12/28/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Culinary Specialist position at Clearwater Living?

Are you passionate about serving seniors?  Do you want to be part of team that strives to create experiences that celebrate our seniors? 

Clearwater Living is a premier luxury senior living company based in Newport Beach, CA and is looking for a Traveling Culinary Specialist to join the team!

Clearwater Living associates enjoy great benefits:

  • Excellent benefits
  • 401(k) contributions
  • Paid Vacation and Sick leave
  • Exciting opportunities to grow
  • Dynamic and fast paced environment
  • Culture of people first and service always

 

***This position is a full time traveling Culinary Specialist role filling in at various Clearwater communities* 

 

Pay Range: 85-90k depending on experience

 

The Culinary specialist is responsible for stepping in and acting as the Culinary Director and/or Executive Chef in communities with an open Culinary Director and/or Executive Chef positions.  They will oversee and manage all aspects of an efficient, professionally run culinary operation. The role provides the vision and oversight of all food preparation and service for the entire community with emphasis on the dining room, catering, room service, private parties and recreational functions. To satisfy every aspect concerning the taste, dietary habits and restrictions of the residents. To supervise the production, presentation and cost of food, and create a balanced rotating menu.  In some cases, there may be extensive work to bring culinary programs up to Clearwater Standards.

 

Essential 

  • Manage, plan, develop, organize, schedule, evaluate, and direct the Culinary department
  • Supervise the production, presentation and cost of food, and create a balanced rotating menu
  • Serve as liaison between guests, residents and Culinary team members and be responsible for effective communication across all areas
  • Resolve resident complaints regarding food quality and/or service
  • Establish a Food Committee and/or survey and visit with residents regularly to determine resident special likes/dislikes and, as much as possible, resident preferences and requests
  • Ensure a sanitary work environment and comply with all health and safety codes, state licensing regulations and policies and procedures regarding proper storage, handling and serving of food
  • Develop and implement policies/processes to ensure that food is ready on time and proper temperature levels are met
  • Backup Culinary team members in their job duties as needed
  • Responsible for the cleanliness in dining room and ensure proper table settings at all times
  • Recruit, hire, train, motivate, and supervise department staff in accordance with all company policies, procedures, and core values
  • Carry out required new hire training and ongoing skills training for team members and maintain appropriate documentation
  • Provide performance feedback and counseling for team members when necessary
  • Prepare and present performance reviews for team members
  • Provide daily team member recognition and appreciation
  • Oversee all department purchasing which includes raw food, supplies, small wares, linen, uniforms, and alcoholic beverages

 

  • Manage required schedule and labor hours to ensure cost-effective and timely coverage for three meals per day, including setup/transition and closing responsibilities while meeting or exceeding labor targets
  • Analyze operational challenges such as service flow or waste and provide suggestions to alleviate these challenges
  • Order food in accordance with planned menus and budgets in a manner that minimizes waste and ensure greatest value for dollar spent
  • Maintain accurate budget, inventory and portion controls and work within the guidelines set forth in the budget
  • Maintain accurate inventories and inspect all food storage locations for cleanliness, upkeep and supply control
  • Drive process and continuous improvement
  • Review timesheets to monitor overtime and manage labor costs
  • Minimize waste and misuse of supplies/equipment
  • Manage and track budget spending and goals
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and report any issues or concerns immediately
  • Comply with Clearwater Living standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient community operations
  • Display a positive and professional image through actions and maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform or clothing and name tag when working
  • Represent the Clearwater Living principles and core values on a daily basis
  • Perform other duties and tasks as assigned or required

 

Position Requirements:
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 100%
  • Bachelor’s degree or related education in Culinary Arts or Hospitality is preferable or a combination of formal training from a related culinary or technical school and experience overseeing restaurant and dining operations
  • Minimum eight to ten years of experience in food service
  • Minimum five to seven years of supervisory experience to include hiring, training, and supervising staff and developing and managing a budget
  • Serve Safe certification preferred
  • First Aid Certification preferred
  • Ability, licensure and willingness to drive the community vehicle as needed
  • Background clearances as required by government regulations
  • Must meet health requirements, including TB
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Salary.com Estimation for Culinary Specialist in Newport, CA
$62,591 to $83,968
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