Director of Dining Services

MBK Senior Living•Orange, CA

18d•$73,000 - $73,000

About The Position

The Director of Dining Services leads the dining program to provide outstanding hospitality and a high-quality experience for residents, families, and guests. The role oversees food production, menu development, safety compliance, and departmental budgets while building and mentoring a high-performing team aligned with MBK’s mission and values. This position supervises dining staff, including Executive Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers, Dining Managers, Dining Supervisors, and Servers. It involves managing hiring, training, coaching, performance, retention, and employment decisions, as well as serving as Manager on Duty and collaborating with the leadership team. The role also performs other duties or special projects as assigned by the Executive Director. The Director works Monday through Friday during daytime hours. The posted salary is $73,000 per year. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least five years of dining or hospitality leadership experience. College coursework or a degree and senior living experience are preferred. ServSafe and Food Handler’s Certificate are required. The work includes physical activity throughout the community, such as walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, reaching overhead, repetitive motion, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and pushing up to 250 pounds as needed. The employee may also assist residents with routine transfers or in emergencies and work at a computer for prolonged periods.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least 5 years of experience in dining or hospitality leadership.
ServSafe certification and Food Handler’s Certificate.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and standard office equipment.
Complete required background clearances and health screening and provide negative TB test results within 7 days of employment; the TB test must be from within the last 6 months.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak, write, and read English, speak in public settings, and present to small groups.
Ability to interact tactfully and professionally with personnel, residents, family members, and guests.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to make sound independent decisions, remain calm, and manage conflicts, stressful situations, and emergencies effectively.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job, with or without accommodation, including walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, reaching overhead, and repetitive motion.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 250 pounds as needed, with or without accommodation.
Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods and move intermittently throughout the workday and community.
Ability to physically assist residents during routine transfers or in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

College coursework or degree.
Senior living experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare high-quality meals in a timely and consistent manner, taking local customs and tastes into account.
Maintain inventory control over the quantity and condition of kitchen equipment and conduct monthly inventories of china, glass, and silver.
Manage the department budget for food, supplies, and labor, and oversee purchasing from approved vendors.
Establish menus and supporting recipes in collaboration with the Chef.
Research new ideas, cooking techniques, and products in the market.
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for food preparation, storage, service, and food service equipment.
Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, garnishing, and presentation to maintain consistent quality standards.
Investigate and resolve resident comments and suggestions about food selection, quality, or service.
Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, verifying product quality and quantity.
Conduct departmental planning and forecasting, and adjust operations based on occupancy and economic conditions.
Model high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing a name tag while working.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, residents, and guests in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
Comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and company policies and procedures for dining operations.
Promote engagement and continuous improvement through teamwork, open communication, mentoring, coaching, and recognition aligned with MBK principles and values.
Interview, hire, train, coach, supervise, and retain dining staff.
Set performance goals and timelines and monitor the performance of dining team members.
Make employment decisions in MBK’s interest, including transfers, suspensions, promotions, discharges, assignments, rewards, and counseling.
Serve as Manager on Duty and collaborate as a member of the leadership team.
Perform other job duties or special projects as assigned or requested by the Executive Director.

Benefits

Competitive salaries.
Leadership development, live in-person training, virtual training, and individual and group training.
401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and household members.
Financial and legal services.
Educational loan assistance and scholarships.
Team member discount programs.
Resources supporting physical, emotional, and financial wellness.
Free meal per shift.
For full-time team members: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
For full-time team members: multiple medical plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan with company contributions.
For full-time team members: flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
For full-time team members: commuter benefits.
For full-time team members: company-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
For full-time team members: disability benefits where applicable and subject to state-specific programs and eligibility requirements.
For full-time team members: voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.