Manager, Patient Food Services

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

3d

About The Position

The Manager, Patient Food Services leads food production, patient meal service, and tray line operations to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals that support patient care and comfort. The manager partners with other managers to strengthen patient and retail dining services, manage food costs, and implement thoughtfully planned menus. The role champions food safety, sanitation, and proper equipment use and maintenance while ensuring daily operations run smoothly.

The manager supervises patient food service staff, coordinates work schedules, and manages hiring activities, including interviews, reference checks, and employee selection. The position also handles employee separations as needed; assists the Director of Nutrition Services with the annual departmental budget; monitors expenses and explains budget variances; conducts inspections with compliance and safety teams; plans and conducts monthly departmental training; maintains staff records in accordance with regulatory standards; and trains staff on food safety requirements and safe food handling.

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 and eight years of such experience, including two years of supervisory experience.
• Serve Safe Certification preferred, or certification must be obtained within two years of hire.
• Ability to communicate well and inspire confidence, and to 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.
• Serve Safe Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead food production, patient meal service, and tray line operations.
• Partner with fellow managers to improve patient and retail dining services, manage food costs, and implement planned menus.
• Champion food safety, sanitation, and proper equipment use and maintenance.
• Supervise patient food service staff and coordinate work schedules.
• Manage hiring activities, including interviews, reference checks, and employee selection; handle employee separations as needed.
• Assist the Director of Nutrition Services with the annual departmental budget, monitor expenses, and explain budget variances.
• Conduct routine department inspections with compliance and safety teams to ensure adherence to state health and Joint Commission standards.
• Plan and conduct monthly departmental training and maintain staff records in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Provide required food safety training so staff meet applicable certification requirements and perform food handling duties safely.
• Perform other duties 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 contributions 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