Dietary Services Director

Harbor Healthcare•Ironton, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Harbor Healthcare of Ironton, we believe exceptional nutrition is an essential part of exceptional care. As a 5-Star Rated facility for Overall Quality Measures, we are committed to providing nutritious, high-quality meals that support our residents' health, well-being, and quality of life. We are seeking a passionate leader to oversee our Dietary Services Department and create an exceptional dining experience for every resident. The Dietary Services Director provides leadership and oversight for all dietary operations, ensuring residents receive safe, nutritious, and appetizing meals that meet their individual dietary needs and preferences. This position is responsible for menu planning, regulatory compliance, food safety, inventory management, staff leadership, and fostering a positive dining experience through collaboration with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary care team.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in dietary management, nutrition, culinary arts, or a related field is preferred.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and therapeutic diet principles.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and team development skills.
Ability to effectively manage departmental operations, budgets, inventory, and staffing.
Commitment to providing exceptional customer service to residents and families.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds, prolonged standing and walking, bending, stooping, and computer work.

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership experience in dietary services within a skilled nursing, long-term care, healthcare, hospital, or rehabilitation setting.
Experience developing menus and overseeing therapeutic diets in collaboration with clinical staff.
Knowledge of CMS regulations, food service standards, and survey requirements.
Experience managing food service budgets, purchasing, and inventory.
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential or eligibility is preferred but not required. CDM can be obtained after start date, within 1 year of employment.
Demonstrated ability to build engaged teams and improve resident satisfaction through high-quality dining services.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee the daily operations of the Dietary Services Department.
Develop and implement menus that meet physician orders, therapeutic diets, resident preferences, and nutritional requirements.
Ensure meals are prepared, served, and delivered in accordance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
Recruit, supervise, train, coach, and develop dietary team members to provide exceptional resident service.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels and oversee purchasing of food, supplies, and equipment.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and facility food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention regulations.
Monitor kitchen equipment and coordinate maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary consultants, and other departments to meet residents' nutritional and dining needs.
Build positive relationships with residents and families by promoting satisfaction with meal quality and dining services.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and continuously evaluate opportunities to enhance dietary operations and resident satisfaction.