Director of Dining Services

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. • Charlotte, NC

2d

About The Position

The Director of Dining Services directs food service operations within the community, including food preparation, dining room operations and meal delivery. The role oversees food purchasing and inventory, cost controls, vendor service and quality, and the nutrition and quality of meals for residents. The Director ensures compliance with applicable food safety and sanitation regulations and plans dining events and themes with activities, marketing and administrative staff. Catering may also be provided at the request of residents or staff.

The Director hires, trains and manages supervisory staff across kitchen, dining room, catering and delivery services. The position works with chefs and cooks on menus, gathers resident preferences, and coordinates with dieticians, nursing staff and care associates on residents’ dietary needs. It develops and monitors the department budget, including food purchasing and staffing, and maintains dining spaces that are safe and pleasant. The Director also networks with Regional Food Service Directors to improve operations and share ideas.

Requirements

• At least eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry.
• At least three years of experience in a responsible supervisory role overseeing others preparing food and serving customers.
• Experience managing food inventories and budgets.
• Current ServSafe Certification.
• Obtain or hold any locally, state- or county-required food-handling or sanitation licenses and certificates.
• Extensive knowledge of food preparation and delivery and food service positions, with a food and beverage background.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations concerning safe food preparation and handling.
• Ability to manage a food service budget providing three meals a day, seven days a week, to large numbers of residents and visitors.
• Ability to manage many associates directly and through supervisors and create a productive, motivated department.
• Ability to understand residents’ dining and nutritional needs, incorporate their preferences into operations, and communicate perceived physical and emotional needs to skilled staff.
• Ability to address staff, residents and visitors in a courteous and friendly manner.

Nice To Haves

• College degree in food service or hospitality management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct food preparation, dining room operations and dining delivery services within the community.
• Purchase food, manage inventory, control costs, and oversee vendor service and quality.
• Ensure meals meet residents’ nutritional needs and food-quality expectations while complying with applicable regulations for sanitary and safe operations.
• Plan and execute dining events and themes with the Activities Director, Marketing Director and other administrative staff; cater events as requested.
• Hire, train and manage supervisors for kitchen, dining room, catering and delivery services.
• Ensure supervisors maintain a safe and sanitary environment and provide residents with a caring dining experience; coach supervisors on staffing, motivation, discipline and training.
• Consult with chefs and cooks to develop and maintain pleasing, nutritious menus.
• Assess resident food preferences through surveys and daily contact and incorporate them into menus and events.
• Coordinate with dieticians, nursing staff and care associates to ensure meals are appropriately selected, prepared and delivered.
• Develop the department budget, approve food orders, maintain appropriate inventory, monitor budget compliance and recommend changes to preserve operational quality and resident satisfaction.
• Promote resident socialization and enjoyment through food presentation and events, and improve dining room décor and condition.
• Network with Regional Food Service Directors to improve operations, reduce costs and obtain program ideas.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance for eligible part- and full-time associates.
• 401(k).
• Associate assistance program.
• Employee discounts.
• Referral program.
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates outside California.
• Optional voluntary benefits including identity theft protection and pet insurance.
• Paid time off for eligible full-time associates.
• Paid holidays for eligible full-time associates.
• Company-provided life insurance for eligible full-time associates.
• Adoption benefit for eligible full-time associates.
• Short- and long-term disability for eligible full-time associates.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible full-time associates.
• Health Savings Account for eligible full-time associates.
• Optional life and dependent life insurance for eligible full-time associates.
• Optional voluntary benefits for eligible full-time associates, including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance, and a legal plan.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible full-time associates.
• Annual bonus incentive and sales referral bonuses for full-time associates in the role.
• Qualified associates with at least one year of service may receive an advance of naturalization application fees, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding.
• Professional development and ongoing programs supporting health and wellness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed