Food Service Director

Position Summary

The Food Service Director oversees and manages all dietary services within the Skilled Nursing Facility. This role ensures residents receive nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet regulatory standards, dietary needs, and facility policies. The Director leads the dietary team, maintains compliance, manages budgets, and ensures high-quality food service operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Dietary Department.
• Plan, prepare, and supervise the delivery of meals that meet nutritional and regulatory standards.
• Ensure menus are approved by a Registered Dietitian and modified per resident needs.
  
  
  

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with state, federal (CMS), and local health regulations.
• Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, storage, and infection control practices.
• Prepare for and participate in facility inspections and surveys.
  
  
  

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise dietary staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching.
• Ensure staff follow all safety, sanitation, and service protocols.
  
  
  

Resident Care

• Collaborate with nursing and clinical teams regarding resident diet orders, allergies, and preferences.
• Monitor meal quality, portion control, and presentation.
• Address resident and family concerns related to meals or dietary needs.
  
  
  

Menu & Nutrition Management

• Assist in creating and updating menus.
• Ensure therapeutic diets (cardiac, renal, consistent carb, mechanical soft, pureed, etc.) are accurately prepared.
• Review diet changes and communicate updates to staff.
  
  
  

Budget & Inventory

• Manage department budget, including food, supplies, and labor costs.
• Order food and supplies, maintain inventory, and prevent waste.
• Work with vendors to ensure product quality and cost efficiency.
  
  
  

Administrative Duties

• Maintain records of meal counts, sanitation logs, staff training, and dietary assessments.
• Develop and implement dietary policies and procedures.
• Participate in facility leadership meetings.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary or nutrition degree preferred.
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or ability to obtain certification preferred/required depending on state rules.
• Minimum 2-3 years food service management experience, preferably in long-term care or healthcare.
• Knowledge of CMS regulations, therapeutic diets, and food safety standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility or similar healthcare setting.
• Experience supervising a multicultural staff and handling fast-paced operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams.
  
  
  

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma.
  
  
  

Experience

• Must have, as a minimum, 1 year experience in a supervisory capacity in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility.
• Must have training in cost control, food management, diet therapy, etc
  
  
  

More about us: www.aristacare.com

#INDSponsored