Dining Services Director

Cedarhurst of Oakwood•Oakwood, GA

18d

About The Position

The Dining Services Director leads all aspects of the community dining program, ensuring residents, families, and guests receive nutritious, high-quality meals and exceptional hospitality. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role manages and develops the dining services team, oversees daily kitchen and dining operations, and works with vendors, community leadership, and regional dining leadership to maintain food safety, infection control, and budgetary standards. The position also requires flexibility to perform cook and server responsibilities. The Director oversees menu planning, food preparation, inventory, staffing, catering, room service, special events, and community dining experiences. The role supports resident satisfaction and marketing initiatives while fostering a positive, service-oriented culture. The Director must maintain applicable food safety licensing and certifications, follow infection prevention protocols, and contribute to teamwork and ongoing learning.

Requirements

Associate’s degree with culinary training or 3–5 years of culinary experience.
Applicable state or county licensure.
Food Manager Certification or ability to obtain it.
Proficiency with common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and applicable HR systems.
Ability to use basic mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Ability to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, apartments, and other areas.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
Ability to communicate effectively and identify and interpret written information.
Follow infection prevention and control protocols, including use of PPE when necessary.
Stay current with required training and ongoing education and pursue continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

CPR or BLS certification.
Previous staff management, coaching, or mentoring experience with a dining services team.
Experience in a senior living community.

Responsibilities

Supervise 10–15 employees in the daily delivery of dining services designed for seniors.
Schedule staff and provide coverage when necessary staffing cannot otherwise be arranged.
Communicate with vendors, community leadership, and the regional dining services team.
Support catering, room service, special parties, marketing functions, and related community needs.
Maintain, order, and account for food inventories while keeping food and supply costs within budget.
Instruct employees on operating, maintaining, and cleaning kitchen equipment.
Provide hands-on training and demonstrate knowledge of food service positions, shifts, assignments, and resident dining needs.
Create recipes that dietary staff can follow.
Handle food safely and appropriately and maintain proper food temperatures and equipment operation.
Recruit, orient, and hire dining services staff.
Assist the Executive Director with monthly staff in-service meetings and assigned committees.
Support sales and marketing procedures, resident satisfaction, sales, tours, and community needs when required.
Securely manage the company credit card and submit receipts promptly.
Maintain safety standards and infection control practices in accordance with Cedarhurst guidelines.
Keep current with and ensure adherence to FDA, state, county, and local food safety licensing requirements and guidelines.
Work collaboratively, take direction, show initiative, and help resolve conflicts involving residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
Create and manage the department schedule using Attendance on Demand, ensuring coverage aligns with the labor budget and platform expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned.