Interim Food Service Director – Assisted Living

Job description

Compensation: (pay rate or salary range)

We are seeking an experienced and resident-focused Food Service Director to lead our Dining Services department.

In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the community's dining program, including menu planning, food quality, staffing, sanitation, budgeting, purchasing, resident satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

We are looking for a hands-on leader who understands that dining is a major part of the resident experience and can balance hospitality, food safety, team leadership, and operational discipline.

What You'll Do

Oversee all daily Dining Services operations

Lead, supervise, schedule, and support cooks, servers, dishwashers, and other dining team members

Ensure meals are prepared and served on time and meet quality, presentation, and temperature standards

Plan and maintain menus that support resident preferences, nutritional needs, and dietary requirements

Coordinate with nursing and Wellness teams regarding resident diets, allergies, texture modifications, and other dining needs

Monitor resident satisfaction and respond promptly to dining concerns or feedback

Develop and implement special menus, holiday meals, and resident dining events

Maintain appropriate food inventory and control ordering, receiving, storage, and rotation of supplies

Manage food and labor costs within established budget expectations

Review invoices, purchasing activity, and vendor performance

Maintain accurate records related to food service operations, sanitation, inventory, and regulatory requirements

Ensure proper food storage, labeling, dating, preparation, and handling practices

Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, infection-control, and workplace-safety requirements

Perform regular kitchen, dining room, storage, and equipment inspections

Ensure kitchen and dining areas are clean, safe, organized, and well maintained

Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs as needed

Recruit, interview, train, coach, and develop Dining Services team members

Conduct orientation, ongoing training, and competency reviews

Address attendance, performance, and conduct concerns in partnership with community leadership

Promote strong teamwork between Dining Services and other community departments

Support resident events, marketing events, tours, and community programs involving food service

Participate in leadership meetings and provide updates on dining operations, staffing, resident satisfaction, and budget performance

Maintain resident privacy, dignity, preferences, and confidentiality

Complete additional duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

Previous food service management experience in assisted living, senior living, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, or institutional dining

Strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, food safety, and kitchen operations

Experience supervising and scheduling employees

Ability to manage food cost, labor cost, inventory, purchasing, and budgeting

Strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills

Ability to balance hospitality and customer service with operational expectations

Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with residents, families, employees, vendors, and community leadership

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally and in writing, as required to manage staff, understand dietary instructions, maintain documentation, and respond during emergencies

Experience working with older adults is preferred

Experience with modified diets, allergies, texture-modified foods, or healthcare dining is preferred

Comfortable using basic computer systems, scheduling tools, email, and purchasing or food-service software

Dependable attendance and ability to respond to operational needs when required

Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and remain active throughout the workday

Ability to safely lift and carry up to (physical requirement) pounds

Ability to successfully complete required background checks, health screenings, and employment requirements

Food Safety and Certification Requirements

Must maintain all food-safety certifications required by the state, local jurisdiction, and community

ServSafe Manager certification or equivalent is preferred and may be required based on applicable regulations

Must ensure Dining Services staff complete all required food-safety, sanitation, allergen, infection-control, and workplace-safety training

Must maintain required inspection, sanitation, temperature, cleaning, and food-storage records

Must remain current on applicable health department and assisted living food-service requirements

Benefits

Medical insurance for eligible employees

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off for eligible employees

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee assistance program

Employee referral program

Paid training

Retention incentives

Flexible scheduling where available

Supportive and team-oriented work environment

Meaningful work serving older adults

Dining is an important part of the resident experience. We are looking for a Food Service Director who takes pride in building a strong team, maintaining high standards, and creating meals and dining experiences residents genuinely enjoy.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

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Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.