Dining Services Director

Description

Position Overview & General Responsibilities:

Summit Square Retirement Community is on the lookout for a compassionate and dedicated Director of Dining Services to lead our culinary team! In this vital role, you will oversee and manage all aspects of food service operations across all levels of living, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards while delivering an exceptional dining experience to our residents.

Be ready to regularly collaborate with various departments, lead a high-performing team, and infuse innovation, hospitality, and outstanding customer service into every meal served. Consider the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through food, service, and connection with residents, team members, and the community. 

Leadership & Strategic Direction
Collaborate with fellow leadership team members to guide the overall vision and direction of Summit Square. Lead, coach, and support the Dining Services team, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring high performance and accountability across all roles. Uphold all company policies and procedures. Attend required trainings, in-services, and meetings. Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, and a strong commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and high-performing work environment.

Operational Oversight
Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures in alignment with state and federal regulations. Ensure compliance in all areas including food safety, sanitation, and documentation. Maintain acceptable survey outcomes and promote continuous quality improvement.
 

Staffing & Training
Ensure appropriate staffing levels with qualified, well-trained team members. Oversee hiring, onboarding, orientation, and ongoing training to keep staff current with regulatory requirements and company policies. Conduct timely performance evaluations and provide support or corrective guidance as needed.
 

Resident-Centered Service
Work closely with the Executive Director and the resident Dining Committee to create nutritious, appealing menus for all dining venues. Lead efforts to ensure high-quality service and responsiveness to resident needs and feedback. Address resident and team concerns promptly, with a focus on exceptional customer service.
 

Financial & Inventory Management
Comfort managing the department’s operating budget and ensure financial benchmarks are met. Establish inventory control systems, maintain proper purchasing procedures, and conduct physical inventories as required.
 

Quality, Safety & Compliance
Supervise adherence to standardized recipes, portion control, and cost containment to minimize waste. Monitor safe use of chemicals and equipment, ensuring all team members are trained and all supplies are properly labeled and stored. Promote a culture of safety and accountability.
 

Event Planning & Collaboration
Coordinate with the planning team on special events and manage all catering functions. Maintain open communication and positive working relationships with other departments and external partners, consistently representing Summit Square in a professional and positive manner.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent toassociate’s degree in food service or related field
• Certifications as a Food/Dining Service Director and Dietary Manager for the state of Virginia.
• Management skills required; experience preferred
• Ability to work with confidential information and maintain its’ integrity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail and having good organizational skills.
• Operates personal computer, printer, copy machines and other general office equipment. Familiar with Microsoft Office.
• Strong customer service skills; maintain a hospitality approach when engaging all individuals.  

Physical & Environmental Considerations: General kitchen environment with normal lighting levels,   temperature ranges, air quality and ventilations (some food aroma) and noise   levels.  Lifts, carries, pushes or   otherwise manipulates equipment and office materials weighing up to 50lbs.   Always use proper lifting and moving protocols and techniques. Must have   ability to walk, stand, bend and mobilize throughout campus for periods up to   8 hours or as required by event. Exposure to various   chemicals and some slick floors. Minimal hazards commensurate with food   preparation if normal safety precautions are taken.