Manager, Patient Food Services

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

6d

About The Position

The Patient Food Service Manager leads a team responsible for delivering high-quality meals and service that support the patient experience. The manager oversees daily food production, patient meal services, and tray line operations to ensure meals are prepared and served safely and efficiently. The role partners with other managers to plan and evaluate menus, monitor food costs, and maintain quality standards across patient and retail dining services. It also promotes food safety and sanitation and ensures equipment is properly used and maintained.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience in foodservice management, catering management, hospitality industry management, or equivalent experience, including two years of supervisory experience; or a high school diploma plus eight years of such experience, including two years of supervisory experience.
• ServeSafe certification preferred or certification obtained within two years of hire.
• Ability to communicate well, inspire confidence, and ensure excellent patient satisfaction.
• Self-directed, flexible, and innovative.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian or Certified Dietary Manager.
• Significant experience in a hospital food service department in a management role.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Nutrition Services to establish goals, policies, and procedures for patient food service operations; implement plans and monitor progress.
• Maintain clean and organized food production and patient service areas; oversee taste and temperature checks and patient tray reviews.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and staff are trained to use it properly.
• Assist with annual budget planning for supplies, staffing hours, and equipment; monitor spending, address variances, and provide explanations.
• Help prepare the annual report on accomplishments and progress toward departmental goals, and recommend priorities and budget needs for the next year.
• Ensure operations comply with Joint Commission requirements, other regulatory standards, and applicable state policies.
• Inspect facilities and staff hygiene, identify concerns, and coordinate corrective action with the Director.
• Maintain accurate equipment and supply records, complete and document routine inventories, and ensure adequate stock levels.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; establish performance expectations, provide appraisals and coaching, and support ongoing training.
• Maintain records of work volume, quality, and timeliness; submit regular departmental activity reports to the Vice Chancellor and prepare special reports as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for qualifying staff and family.
• Holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only).
• Retirement contribution matched by UAMS up to 10%.
• Basic life insurance up to $50,000.
• Career training and educational opportunities.
• Merchant discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using the UAMS pharmacy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager