What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dietary/ Kitchen Manager position at Nutrition Management Services?
Full-Time | Healthcare Food Service
We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Dietary / Kitchen Manager to support daily food service operations at a mental health and addiction treatment center. This position is ideal for a hands-on culinary professional who thrives in a healthcare environment and can help ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory standards.
Working closely with the Food Service Director, this role functions similarly to an Assistant or Kitchen Manager, providing daily operational support, supervising staff, and ensuring adherence to food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards. The ideal candidate is comfortable working alongside the team during meal production while also assisting with administrative responsibilities such as ordering, inventory, and compliance monitoring.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations & Production
Provide hands-on leadership and support during daily meal preparation and service
Assist in coordinating food production for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and therapeutic snack programs
Ensure meals are prepared according to standardized recipes, dietary guidelines, and portion standards
Support special dietary needs including therapeutic and modified diets
Staff Supervision
Provide daily oversight of kitchen staff including cooks, dietary aides, and utility workers
Assist with scheduling, task delegation, and maintaining workflow during service periods
Train staff on safe food handling, sanitation procedures, and operational standards
Foster a positive, respectful team culture aligned with healthcare service values
Food Safety & Compliance
Monitor and enforce HACCP food safety procedures
Ensure proper temperature logs, sanitation documentation, and production records are maintained
Conduct routine sanitation inspections and ensure compliance with health department regulations
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
Inventory & Ordering
Assist with food ordering, inventory control, and product rotation (FIFO)
Monitor food usage and minimize waste while maintaining quality standards
Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely and accurate deliveries
Program & Service Support
Assist with occasional catering or special events within the facility
Support menu implementation and ensure food quality and presentation standards are maintained
Work collaboratively with clinical and administrative staff to support resident care
Qualifications
3–5 years of experience in healthcare, institutional, or high-volume food service
Experience supervising kitchen or dietary staff preferred
Knowledge of HACCP food safety systems and sanitation compliance
Experience with food ordering, inventory management, and production planning
Ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced kitchen environment
ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification (or ability to obtain)
Strong organizational and communication skills
Familiarity with therapeutic diets and healthcare nutrition standards
Schedule
Full-time position with a combination of weekday and rotating weekend coverage
Some flexibility required based on operational needs
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Benefits package
Supportive healthcare environment
Opportunity to contribute to the well-being and recovery of residents through quality nutrition and hospitality