Traveling Dining Services Manager

Tutera Senior Living & Health Care • Kansas City, MO

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Traveling Dining Services Manager provides interim leadership, operational support, and culinary expertise across multiple senior living communities. The role stabilizes dining operations during leadership transitions, supports new openings, implements company dining standards, and promotes resident satisfaction while ensuring quality food service and nutrition care in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The manager provides on-site leadership during vacancies, leaves of absence, and transitions, and may serve as acting Dining Services Director or Dining Department Head. The role oversees and develops assigned team members, improves service and compliance, supports menus and scratch cooking, trains staff, conducts food safety and sanitation audits, and works with community and corporate leaders. It also requires extensive regional travel, flexible scheduling, and work in kitchen and dining environments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with combined education and experience.
• At least three years of progressive multiple-unit food service experience in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality.
• Proven leadership and coaching skills in leading dining services teams.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between locations; must submit to annual motor vehicle background checks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and adapt quickly to new environments.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate meal planning and services across multiple communities.
• Financial management skills covering food, supplies, and equipment.
• Scheduling and menu-planning skills.
• Ability to perform the physical, mental, and environmental efforts described in the attached Job Activity Description.
• Ability to work in kitchen and dining environments that may include heat, cold, humidity, wet floors, noise, odors, and fast-paced service demands.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts or hospitality management, or equivalent experience.
• ServSafe/Always Food Safe certification, or ability to obtain it.
• Certified Dietary Manager credential, or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned team members and oversee their performance, productivity, development, and work quality.
• Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Provide on-site dining services leadership during vacancies, leaves of absence, and transition periods.
• Serve as acting Dining Services Director or Dining Department Head when needed.
• Assess dining operations and implement improvements to quality, service, and compliance.
• Ensure menus meet nutritional guidelines, resident preferences, and company standards.
• Support scratch cooking and consistency in food presentation and service across communities.
• Model resident-focused hospitality and service delivery.
• Contribute to organizational strategies and establish operational objectives, measurements, systems, and resources.
• Train and mentor dining services employees, including cooks, servers, and leadership staff.
• Support onboarding and development of newly hired Dining Services Directors or Dining Department Heads.
• Reinforce food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards.
• Hold small group meetings in accordance with company policy and communicate new policies, procedures, and regulations to staff.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Conduct audits of food safety, sanitation, and documentation.
• Partner with community leadership on survey readiness and corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with Executive Directors, Regional Leaders, and Corporate Support Teams.
• Provide handoff documentation and recommendations at the conclusion of each assignment.
• Uphold and promote residents' rights, protect confidential health information, and respond tactfully and urgently to resident concerns and complaints.
• Report allegations of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property.
• Arrange interpreters and auxiliary aids or services needed by residents or their responsible parties.
• Follow food safety and sanitation policies and applicable codes and regulations.
• Maintain food preparation and food service quality standards and perform regular dietary/dining safety audits.
• Follow guidelines for excluding ill employees from food production and maintain cleaning schedules for kitchens and food storage or service areas.
• Report structural, equipment, and furniture defects or malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Follow safety procedures, identify and address hazards, and report safety concerns.
• Observe resident safety needs as indicated in care plans and use safety equipment when indicated and properly trained.
• Demonstrate job-specific knowledge of fire and disaster preparedness during drills or actual situations.
• Travel regionally to support dining services throughout all communities.

Benefits

• Advanced Pay
• Financial Literacy Classes
• Employee Assistance Program offering mental health resources, legal guidance, financial information, and more
• Child Care Discount
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) for eligible locations
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Exclusive Tutera Perks
• Tutera University
• Advancement Opportunities
• Competitive starting wage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED