Assistant Director, Dining Services

ALL•Wyomissing, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Dining Services supports the overall leadership, operational execution, and performance of the Dining Services Department across all venues within the community. This role oversees daily dining operations, including staffing, service delivery, and resident experience, to ensure consistent, high-quality hospitality aligned with the organization’s brand, culture, values, and established standards, as well as all regulatory requirements. The Assistant Director serves as a key operational leader, providing direct supervision, coaching, and accountability for dining services staff, while supporting financial performance, regulatory compliance, and process consistency across the department. This position assumes full operational responsibility in the absence of the Director of Dining Services, ensuring uninterrupted leadership, sound decision-making, and accountability across all dining services operations.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-unit dining operations in a fast-paced environment
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with the ability to drive accountability and performance
Ability to make sound operational decisions independently, particularly in the absence of senior leadership
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, families, staff, and leadership
Ability to manage conflict, address concerns, and execute effective service recovery
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to evaluate operational data, identify trends, and implement improvements
Working knowledge of budgeting, cost control, and financial performance management
Ability to analyze labor, productivity, and operational reports to support decision-making
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements in a healthcare or senior living environment
Ability to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Proficiency in dining systems, including POS/KDS platforms and billing systems
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and operational reporting tools
Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, high-volume environment
Strong attention to detail with commitment to accuracy and consistency
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
Ability/flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and non-traditional hours as required.
High school diploma or GED required
Associate’s degree or higher in Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field required
Minimum 4–6 years of progressive dining, hospitality, or food service management experience, preferably in a healthcare, senior living, or multi-unit environment
Demonstrated experience managing staffing, scheduling, and daily operations in a high-volume dining environment
Experience with financial oversight, including labor management, cost control, and operational performance metrics
Experience with resident or customer-facing service environments requiring high levels of satisfaction and service recovery
Prior experience utilizing POS systems, dining technology platforms, and billing systems
Experience ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements
Experience operating in a role with leadership responsibility in the absence of a department head
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or ServSafe Certification (if not currently certified, the employee must, at a minimum, obtain ServSafe Certification within thirty (30) days of employment)
Medical Screening
Criminal History Clearance
FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)
Regularly required to communicate effectively, including talking, hearing, and writing.
Visual acuity must be sufficient to perform job duties, including reading printed materials and computer screens.
Requires frequent standing and walking, particularly during meal service periods and while providing operational oversight within dining areas.
May occasionally be required to perform physical activities such as sitting, climbing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling as necessary to support dining operations.
Ability to lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to respond to dynamic operational needs in a fast-paced environment, including providing on-the-floor support during peak service periods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience in healthcare, senior living, or long-term care dining services preferred
Completion of Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment required

Responsibilities

Oversee daily dining operations across all venues and levels of care
Ensure consistent execution of service, hospitality, and operational standards
Provide on-site leadership during peak service periods, evenings, weekends, and emergencies
Assume full operational authority in the absence of the Director, including decision-making, staffing adjustments, and issue resolution
Lead, manage, and hold dining staff accountable for performance, conduct, and service standards
Oversee staffing, scheduling, and labor deployment, adjusting staffing plans in response to census, service demands, and operational needs
Promote a positive, team-focused work environment aligned with organizational values
Provide supervision, coaching, and development of team members to support high performance, engagement, retention, and professional growth
Complete quarterly People Analyzer Tools (PATs) and utilize results to support performance improvement and recognition efforts
Address performance concerns promptly through coaching and corrective action in accordance with organizational policies
Participates in the hiring process.
Direct operations across residential dining rooms, ensuring consistency in service, presentation, and efficiency
Ensure all dining areas operate in accordance with organizational standards for cleanliness, service, and readiness
Coordinate with culinary leadership to ensure seamless front-of-house and back-of-house operations
Ensure high-quality service and operational effectiveness during meal service by monitoring service flow and staffing levels, conducting routine rounds, and implementing continuous improvements to the dining experience
Lead or oversee pre-meal meetings to communicate expectations, review service standards, and align staff for meal services
Maintain accurate and timely documentation and communication related to dining operations, service issues, and performance
Ensure a welcoming, hospitality-driven dining environment that promotes resident satisfaction.
Maintain strong presence and engagement with residents, families, and guests
Monitor resident satisfaction and ensure prompt response and service recovery related to feedback and concerns
Evaluate trends (comment cards, informal feedback) and drive improvements
Lead and support planning and execution of resident programs, themed dining, catering, and events to ensure service quality, presentation, and budget alignment
Ensure food quality, presentation, and service standards meet organizational expectations
Partner with culinary leadership to ensure seamless front-of-house and back-of-house coordination
Enforce Dining Services policies and procedures, including sanitation, infection control, uniform standards, and conduct expectations
Ensure compliance with organizational Human Resource policies and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
Participate in and ensures team compliance with required training, certifications, and competency standards
Support budget adherence and cost control (i.e., labor, food, supplies)
Monitor meal counts, productivity, and operational performance metrics
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste
Oversee dining systems, including POS, KDS, and other technology platforms to ensure accuracy and operational effectiveness
Review reports, analyze trends, and implement improvements to enhance performance
Ensure accuracy of resident dining charges and support billing audit processes (i.e., PCC/Cubigo)
Train staff on dining systems and technology to ensure consistency and accuracy
Lead or support execution of special events, holiday dining programs, and resident engagement experiences
Ensure events meet established standards for quality, service, and budget expectations
Serve as a liaison between Dining Services and other departments to support coordinated service delivery, resident needs, and operational efficiency
Drive process consistency and lead initiatives to improve efficiency, service delivery, workflow, and operational performance across venues
Participates in ongoing training, leadership development, and succession planning efforts
Assigned by Management