Senior Director of Operations Dining Services

Senior Director of Operations –Dining Services

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Operations for Dining Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight with the Dining Services Regional Team across multiple healthcare communities, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living, long-term care, and post-acute care environments. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, resident satisfaction, financial performance, and team development across a regional portfolio.

The Senior Director partners closely with regional leadership, administrators, clinical teams, and culinary staff to ensure high-quality dining experiences that support resident wellness, hospitality standards, and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee Regional Dining Services operation team across multiple healthcare facilities within assigned markets or regions.

• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service quality, consistency, resident satisfaction, and efficiency.

• Conduct regular site visits, operational audits, and performance reviews to ensure company standards are maintained.

• Support facility leadership teams with problem-solving, staffing strategies, survey readiness, and operational improvements.

• Lead start-ups, transitions, acquisitions, and turnaround initiatives as needed.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local healthcare regulations including sanitation, food safety, infection control, and dietary requirements.

• Maintain readiness for state surveys, Joint Commission inspections, and Department of Health reviews.

• Partner with Registered Dietitians and clinical teams to support therapeutic diets, nutritional compliance, and resident-centered care plans.

• Monitor and improve food safety programs, HACCP procedures, and workplace safety initiatives.

Financial Management

• Manage regional budgets, labor controls, food cost performance, and overall P&L accountability.

• Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to identify operational opportunities and risks.

• Drive purchasing compliance, inventory controls, and cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.

• Collaborate with procurement and vendor partners to optimize supply chain performance.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Regional Directors, Dining Managers, Executive Chefs, and facility leadership teams.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, and retention initiatives across the region.

• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, hospitality, and continuous improvement.

• Provide coaching and performance management to ensure operational goals and leadership expectations are achieved.

Client & Resident Relations

• Build strong relationships with healthcare administrators, ownership groups, residents, families, and corporate partners.