Director, Dining Services

Overview

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us!  You’ll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness.  Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.  Additional benefits offered include, but are not limited to:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance
• Adoption Reimbursement Benefits
• Variety of Associate Discounts

This is an incentive based position, which may include bonuses, incentive or commission plans. Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply.

 

To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

Responsibilities

Directs food service operations within the community including all food preparation, dining room operations and dining delivery services. Purchases all food and manages inventory ensuring effective cost controls and vendor service and quality. Ensures the highest nutrition and food quality for the health and pleasure of the residents. Complies with all federal, state and local regulations to ensure sanitary and safe operations. Plans and executes entertaining dining events and themes in conjunction with Activities Director, Marketing Director and other administrative staff to optimize the life and pleasure of the residents. May also cater events as requested by residents or staff.

Hires, trains and manages all supervisory staff for the kitchen, dining room, catering and delivery services. Ensures that supervisors maintain a safe and sanitary environment and provide a caring and pleasurable dining experience for the residents. Coaches supervisors in maintaining appropriate staffing levels and effectively motivating, disciplining and training associates.

Consults with chefs and cooks to develop and maintain pleasing and nutritious menus. Assesses and determines the desires and preferences of the residents regarding food selection and presentation through surveys and daily contact with residents. Ensures preferences are incorporated into the menu and events. Understands the dietary needs of residents and coordinates with dieticians, nursing staff, and care associates to ensure proper selection, preparation and delivery of meals.

Develops department budget including purchasing and staffing expenditures. Approves food orders from company or selected food vendors and ensures a proper level of inventory to meet demand and minimize cost and waste. Routinely monitors budget compliance and recommends changes as needed to maintain operational quality and resident satisfaction.

Encourages the identification of enjoyable ways to encourage socialization and enjoyment of residents through the use of food presentation and events. Improves the décor and condition of dining rooms to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

Networks with Regional Food Service Directors to improve operations, reduce costs and to obtain new program ideas for creative operations.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

 

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Qualifications

Education and ExperienceCollege degree in food service or hospitality management is preferred. A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry including at least three of those years in a responsible supervisory role of others preparing food and servicing customers. Experience to include management of food inventories and budgets.

 

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special RequirementsCurrent ServSafe Certification required. Obtain/hold any local, state and/or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and/or certificates.

 

Management/Decision MakingApplies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a combination of these. Ability to manage a large number of associates directly and through other supervisors to create a productive