Director of Dining Services

MBK Senior Living•Mountlake Terrace, WA

9d•$85,000 - $90,000

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. The Director supervises dining staff, including Executive Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers, Dining Managers, Dining Supervisors, and Servers. This includes hiring, training, coaching, setting performance goals, monitoring performance, and making employment decisions. The Director also serves as Manager on Duty and participates on the leadership team. The position manages food and supply purchasing, budgets, inventory, menu planning, food quality, deliveries, departmental forecasting, and compliance with applicable health and safety requirements. The Director resolves resident feedback and fosters teamwork, open communication, mentoring, coaching, recognition, and continuous improvement. Other duties or projects may be assigned by the Executive Director. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, at least five years of dining or hospitality leadership experience, and ServSafe and Food Handler’s certifications. College coursework or a degree and senior living experience are preferred. The position involves physical activity throughout the community, including walking, bending, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing up to 250 pounds as needed, and working at a computer for prolonged periods.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least 5 years of dining or hospitality leadership experience.
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 previous 6 months.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, including speaking, writing, and reading English; comfort speaking publicly and presenting to small groups.
Ability to deal 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 effectively manage conflicts, stressful situations, and emergencies.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, including walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, reaching overhead, and repetitive motion, with or without accommodation.
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 emergencies.
Ongoing compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA, Resident Rights, state licensing regulations, and laws relating to professional licenses, where applicable.
Must not be considered an Excluded Party when employed at a community receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding.

Nice To Haves

College coursework or degree.
Senior living experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare high-quality meals consistently and in a timely manner, taking local customs and tastes into account.
Manage kitchen equipment inventory and conduct monthly inventories of china, glass, and silver.
Manage the department budget for food, supplies, and labor, and purchase from approved vendors.
Establish menus and supporting recipes in collaboration with the Chef.
Research new ideas, cooking techniques, and products.
Ensure compliance with food preparation, storage, service, equipment, and workplace health and safety requirements.
Monitor preparation methods, portion sizes, garnishing, and presentation to maintain consistent quality.
Investigate and resolve resident comments and suggestions about food selection, quality, or service.
Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries and verify product quality and quantity.
Plan and forecast departmental operations and adjust operations according to occupancy and economic conditions.
Maintain professional personal appearance and wear a name tag while working.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, residents, and guests in accordance with established standards and procedures.
Comply with federal, state, and local regulations and company policies and procedures.
Promote engagement and continuous improvement through teamwork, open communication, mentoring, coaching, and recognition.
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, including transfer, suspension, promotion, discharge, assignment, rewards, or counseling.
Participate as Manager on Duty and collaborate as a member of the leadership team.
Perform other 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 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.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time team members.
Multiple medical plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan with company contributions.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts for full-time team members.
Commuter benefits for full-time team members.
Company-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage for full-time team members.
Disability benefits, where applicable and subject to state-specific programs and eligibility requirements.
Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance for full-time team members.