RYAN WAGNER
Chardon,OH
Summary
Accomplished Director of Culinary and Nutritional Services with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in the foodservice industry. Proven ability to manage large-scale culinary operations, lead high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional dining experiences across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing environments. Recognized for strategic planning, operational efficiency, innovation, and a collaborative leadership style that drives engagement, quality, and growth. Adept at budgeting, facility oversight, menu development, marketing integration, and implementing systems that elevate resident satisfaction and departmental performance.
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Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director of Culinary & Nutritional Services
Ohio Living Breckenridge Village
Willoughby, OH
03.2016 - Current
- Lead operations for five dining venues including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, serving 410,000+ meals annually.
- Supervise a team of 100+ staff across full-time, part-time, and PRN roles.
- Meet financial goals for food, supply, and labor budgets while maintaining quality.
- Implement new technologies and service enhancements to improve efficiency and resident satisfaction.
- Oversee design and execution of renovation and construction projects.
- Maintain strong partnerships with vendors and suppliers.
Pathways Instructor
Auburn Career Center
Concord, OH
02.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed engaging lesson plans for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Instructed students in various food service skills and industry standards.
Director of Culinary & Nutritional Services | Executive Chef
Grace Woods at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village
Willoughby, OH
04.2009 - 03.2016
- Designed and launched a new culinary program serving 170+ residents.
- Directed menu planning, production, staffing, purchasing, and budgeting.
- Improved resident satisfaction through enhanced dining programs.
- Collaborated with departments to support enrichment, events, and marketing.
Assistant Director of Culinary & Nutritional Services
Ohio Living Breckenridge Village North Apartments
Willoughby, OH
01.2006 - 04.2009
- Supported daily dining operations for 160+ residents.
- Improved service quality and resident satisfaction.
- Coordinated budgeting for food, supplies, and labor.
- Planned and executed events
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts
Pittsburgh, PA03-1998
Skills
- Team Leadership and Development
- Labor Management
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Menu and Recipe Development
- Food Safety & Sanitation, HACCP
- Event Production
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Project Management
- Facility Maintenance
- Vendor Relations
- Customer Service
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Written & Oral Communication
- Microsoft Office
- Full Count POS, WorkDay, ADP
Certifications And Memberships
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager
- Food Safety Certification - Ohio Department of Health
Major Accomplishments
- Established Ohio Living Breckenridge Village as a premier flagship community within the organization.
- Lead and develop a culinary and nutritional services team of 90–100+ across multiple departments.
- Provide production and execution for events ranging from 5 to 250+ guests, including high-profile community functions.
- Successfully meet or exceed financial goals across $2M food/supply budget and $2.9M labor budget.
- Enhanced program usage and resident engagement through strategic email marketing and social media initiatives.
- Contributed to design, planning, and implementation of major renovations and new construction projects.
- Recognized with multiple regional and national culinary awards for excellence and innovation.
Certification
ServeSafe Food Safety Manager Certification
Accomplishments
LeadingAge Ohio - Spotlight Award — 2024
Timeline
Pathways Instructor
Auburn Career Center
02.2024 - 11.2024
Director of Culinary & Nutritional Services
Ohio Living Breckenridge Village
03.2016 - Current
Director of Culinary & Nutritional Services | Executive Chef
Grace Woods at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village
04.2009 - 03.2016
Assistant Director of Culinary & Nutritional Services
Ohio Living Breckenridge Village North Apartments
01.2006 - 04.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts