Dining Services Director

Cedarhurst of Columbia • Columbia, MO

just now • Onsite

About The Position

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day. We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us. The Dining Services Director, reporting directly to the Regional Dining Services Director, is responsible for leading all aspects of the community’s dining program, ensuring residents, families, and guests consistently receive nutritious, high-quality meals and exceptional hospitality. This leadership role manages and develops the dining services team, oversees daily kitchen and dining operations, and partners with vendors, community leadership, and regional dining leadership to maintain compliance with food safety, infection control, and budgetary standards. In addition to directing menu planning, food preparation, and special events, the Dining Services Director plays a vital role in enhancing resident satisfaction, supporting marketing initiatives, and fostering a positive, service-oriented culture throughout the community.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree with culinary training OR 3-5 years of culinary experience required.
• Applicable state/county licensure required.
• Food Manager Certification, or ability to obtain, is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word), web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and any HR-related systems as applicable.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Successful completion of a drug screening.
• Participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations).
• Use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.

Nice To Haves

• CPR or BLS certification preferred.
• Previous staff management and/or coaching and mentoring of dining services team experience is preferred.
• Experience in a senior living community is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises 10-15 employees in the day-to-day presentation of dining services developed specifically for seniors.
• Schedule staff on an ongoing basis and provide coverage when unable to find necessary staff coverage.
• Maintain good communication with all vendors, community leadership, and regional dining services team.
• Support all catering, room service, special party needs, marketing functions, etc.
• Responsible for maintaining, ordering, and accounting for food inventories necessary to complete duties and keeping food and supply costs within budget.
• Instruct all employees on the operation, maintenance, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment.
• Exhibit thorough knowledge of all food service positions and provide hands-on training to staff.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining services shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs.
• Create recipes that are easy for dietary staff to follow.
• Handle food in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Recruit, orientate, and hire new dining service staff.
• Assist Executive Director with monthly staff in-service meetings as requested and on committees as appointed.
• Assist with Sales/Marketing procedures to develop and enhance satisfaction levels, as well as participate in resident sales, tours and community needs when required.
• Securely manage company credit card and file receipts in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly.
• Utilize basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst guidelines for infection control.
• Remains current and up to date with all food safety licensing requirements for FDA, state, county, and local authorities along with ensuring all guidelines are adhered to.
• Work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package
• Medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service)
• GROW Points—a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication.
• Exclusive Skechers shoe discounts
• Early paycheck access

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees