Food Service Manager

State of Montana•Columbia Falls, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Food Service Manager at the Montana Veterans’ Home. The Food Service Manager is accountable for the overall leadership, performance, compliance, and continuous improvement of the Food Service Program at the Montana Veterans’ Home. This position directs all aspects of dietary operations to ensure residents receive safe, nutritious, and therapeutically appropriate meals in accordance with physician orders, regulatory requirements, and established standards of care. This role functions as the department authority for food service operations, with responsibility for regulatory compliance, budget management, clinical nutrition integration, staff leadership, and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities. The Food Service Manager exercises independent judgment in operational and personnel matters and applies sound fiscal stewardship within established budget parameters. This position is accountable for outcomes impacting resident care, safety, and satisfaction. The Montana Veterans' Home (MVH) located in Columbia Falls, is a Medicare/Medicaid and Veterans' Administration certified facility with 105 intermediate/skilled-care beds and 12 domiciliary beds. The nursing facility includes a 15-bed Dementia Care unit. MVH has been providing services to Veterans since 1896. The Montana Veterans' Home is located next to the Flathead River, just minutes away from Glacier National Park. A large pavilion, walking paths, and protected courtyards provide ample opportunities for outdoor access. The facility offers individual and group activities, spiritual services, support group services, and social services. The skilled and rehabilitative services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietitian services.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of food service program management in a healthcare setting
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and VA food safety and nutrition regulations
Knowledge of therapeutic diets, including modified texture diets and IDDSI standards
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resources
Strong leadership and personnel management skills, including conflict resolution and team development
Ability to lead regulatory compliance and quality improvement initiatives
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to analyze operational data and implement performance improvements
Proficiency with dietary management systems and standard office software
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Service Management, Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field
A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible food service experience, including supervisory leadership responsibilities
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), or equivalent certification required (or obtained within six (6) months)
Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance, staff supervision, and food service operations in a healthcare or institutional setting

Responsibilities

Accountable for the overall leadership, performance, compliance, and continuous improvement of the Food Service Program
Directs all aspects of dietary operations to ensure residents receive safe, nutritious, and therapeutically appropriate meals in accordance with physician orders, regulatory requirements, and established standards of care
Functions as the department authority for food service operations
Responsible for regulatory compliance
Responsible for budget management
Responsible for clinical nutrition integration
Responsible for staff leadership
Responsible for Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities
Exercises independent judgment in operational and personnel matters
Applies sound fiscal stewardship within established budget parameters
Accountable for outcomes impacting resident care, safety, and satisfaction