Director of Dining Services

Overview

Director of Dining Services

Elderwood at Wheatfield

Lead Hospitality. Elevate Resident Experience. Build an Exceptional Dining Program.

 

Elderwood is seeking an experienced and service-driven Director of Dining Services to lead the dining operations within one of our skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities.

 

This is a key leadership opportunity for a hospitality or dietary services professional with experience in a healthcare setting who understands that dining is more than food service - it is a critical part of resident satisfaction, quality of life, clinical support, and the overall care experience.

 

The Director of Dining Services oversees all kitchen and dining operations, leads and develops department staff, ensures regulatory compliance, manages departmental budgets and inventory, and helps create a welcoming, resident-centered dining environment.

If you are a strong operational leader with long-term care, healthcare, hospitality, or dietary management experience - we’d welcome the opportunity to connect.

 

Why Elderwood?

• Mission-driven organization focused on People Caring for People

• Opportunity to lead an important resident-facing department

• Supportive interdisciplinary leadership environment

• Strong operational and clinical support

• Ability to make a direct impact on resident satisfaction and quality outcomes

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

Position Overview. As Director of Dining Services, you will oversee:

• Daily kitchen and dining room operations

• Meal preparation and food service quality

• Department staffing, scheduling, and team development

• Regulatory compliance and survey readiness

• Budgeting, purchasing, and inventory control

• Resident and family dining experience

• Food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance initiatives

This role partners closely with facility leadership, nursing, dietary consultants, and residents/families to ensure exceptional service and compliance with all applicable regulations and company standards.

 

The Right Candidate Will Bring:

• Strong leadership and team development skills

• Excellent communication and customer service abilities

• High standards for cleanliness, food quality, and resident satisfaction

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Ability to lead calmly and effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment

• Operational and financial accountability mindset

If you are passionate about hospitality, food service leadership, and creating a positive dining experience for residents in a skilled nursing environment, we encourage you to apply today.

Responsibilities

Director of Dining Services:

 

Leadership & Operations

• Direct and oversee all Dining Services operations within the facility

• Lead, coach, and supervise dietary and kitchen staff

• Create staffing schedules and manage department labor within budgetary guidelines

• Conduct routine audits and monitor department performance improvement initiatives

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and employee development efforts

Resident Experience & Quality

• Ensure residents receive high-quality meals and exceptional service

• Interact regularly with residents and families regarding meal satisfaction and dietary needs

• Promote a clean, welcoming, and resident-centered dining environment

• Participate in resident care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration

Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety

• Maintain compliance with CMS, DOH, and food safety regulations

• Ensure proper food preparation, sanitation, storage, and meal service practices

• Maintain survey readiness and support QIS/process improvement initiatives

• Monitor inventory, purchasing, and resource utilization to minimize waste and control costs

Qualifications

Director of Dining Services:

• Associate’s degree or higher in Food Service Management (or Hospitality, if the course study includes food service or restaurant management) from an accredited institution of higher learning, OR Certified Dietary Manager, OR Certified Food Service Manager.
• Three years supervisory experience required.
• At least one year experience in a health care setting required.
• Working knowledge of CMS and DOH regulations as they relate to food service.
• Experience with the QIS survey process preferred.
• Computer skills and knowledge in nutritional software programs preferred.
• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.

EOE Statement

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.