Dietary Manager

Position Summary

The Dietary Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Dietary Department, ensuring the safe, efficient, and therapeutic preparation and service of meals for residents, patients, colleagues, and guests. This role oversees regulatory compliance, food safety, staff supervision, budgeting, inventory management, and quality assurance while promoting exceptional customer service and resident satisfaction.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to:

• Facilities Director

Supervises:

• Dietary Colleagues

Essential Job Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Plan, organize, and oversee all dietary department operations.
• Hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate dietary staff.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate staffing levels.
• Serve as a working leader and assist with department duties as needed.

Food Service & Nutrition Management

• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to physician orders, therapeutic diets, and established menu guidelines.
• Collaborate with the Registered Dietitian on menu planning and nutritional services.
• Monitor meal quality, accuracy, portion control, and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate food service for special events and cafeteria operations.

Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing food service operations.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and HACCP standards.
• Develop and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
• Investigate and address dietary concerns, complaints, and incident reports.

Financial & Inventory Management

• Manage departmental budget and resources.
• Order food, supplies, and equipment while maintaining inventory controls.
• Monitor costs, process purchase orders, and evaluate products for quality and value.
• Review departmental financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Quality Improvement & Communication

• Lead quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
• Maintain accurate department records, reports, schedules, and documentation.
• Work closely with administration, nursing, and the Registered Dietitian to ensure quality resident care.
• Attend management meetings and participate in committees as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification required, including completion of a 250-hour CDM program.
• Previous dietary, food service, or healthcare management experience preferred.
• Experience working with geriatric populations preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and therapeutic diets.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Must maintain required continuing education credits to preserve certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform physical duties throughout the workday.
• Ability to use visual and auditory senses continuously.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods as needed.

Why Join Our Team?

• Lead a department that directly impacts resident health, wellness, and satisfaction.
• Work alongside a dedicated healthcare team committed to excellent patient care.
• Opportunity to drive quality improvements and operational excellence.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Supportive, mission-driven workplace focused on service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Our Culture

We are committed to creating an environment where employees:

• Be One: Work collaboratively and support one another.
• Personalize Care: Treat each resident, patient, and coworker with dignity and respect.
• Own It: Take pride in accountability and results.
• Improve Daily: Pursue continuous learning and improvement.
• Innovate: Embrace new ideas that enhance care and service.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants.