Dietary Manager

Dietary Manager

At OPS Living, meals are more than nutrition—they are comfort, connection, routine, and one of the most meaningful parts of a resident's day.

The Dietary Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of the community dining program, ensuring residents receive high-quality meals and exceptional service in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. This position oversees kitchen operations, food preparation, inventory management, regulatory compliance, sanitation standards, and dietary team performance.

The Dietary Manager serves as both a leader and a working manager, building systems, developing team members, maintaining high standards, and creating a dining experience that enhances residents' quality of life.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys serving others, leading people, solving problems, and creating consistency through strong operational leadership.

At OPS Living, our mission is simple:

We care deeply for our team, our clients, and our community.

We provide safe, affordable, and loving communities where seniors can thrive. Every team member contributes to creating an environment where residents feel respected, valued, and at home.

Our core values guide how we work every day:

• Serves Reliably – We follow through on our commitments and provide dependable support to residents and teammates.
• Utilizes Unconventional Collaboration – We solve problems together and support one another across departments.
• Celebrates Regularly – We recognize effort, progress, and accomplishments.
• Enjoys the Journey – We bring positivity, gratitude, and purpose to our work.

Dining Program Leadership

• Oversee daily food service operations and meal production.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to company standards and resident dietary requirements.
• Maintain meal quality, presentation, portion control, and service consistency.
• Monitor resident satisfaction and implement improvements when needed.
• Foster a welcoming dining experience that promotes resident engagement and enjoyment.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and supervise dietary staff.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability for performance.
• Conduct ongoing training related to food safety, sanitation, customer service, and departmental procedures.
• Assist with scheduling and staffing to ensure adequate coverage.
• Promote a positive team culture built on respect, reliability, and teamwork.

Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety

• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and company regulations.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, infection control, and kitchen cleanliness standards.
• Maintain required documentation, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and inspection records.
• Always keep the kitchen and dining areas survey ready.

Inventory & Budget Management

• Manage food ordering, inventory control, and supply management.
• Monitor food costs and reduce waste while maintaining quality standards.
• Ensure that adequate inventory levels are maintained for daily operations.
• Evaluate purchasing opportunities and vendor relationships to maximize value.

Operational Excellence

• Develop and maintain efficient kitchen systems and workflows.
• Coordinate with nursing and leadership teams regarding resident dietary needs and special accommodations.
• Address operational challenges proactively and identify solutions before issues escalate.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance concerns promptly.

Resident & Family Experience

• Support individualized dining experiences whenever possible.
• Accommodate physician-ordered diets and resident preferences.
• Interact professionally with residents, families, visitors, and team members.
• Contribute to an environment where residents feel valued, respected, and cared for.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of food service experience.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dietary Manager certification or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Experience in assisted living, long-term care, healthcare, hospitality, or senior living environments.
• Experience managing inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and departmental budgets.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and nutrition-related requirements within healthcare settings.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Strong ownership and accountability
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail
• Dependability and consistency
• Positive leadership and coaching abilities
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• High standards for cleanliness, safety, and quality
• Commitment to serving seniors with dignity and respect
• Resourcefulness and initiative
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform routine kitchen duties.
• Ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures and environments.

When you join OPS Living, you become part of a team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors every day. We believe great leaders create great experiences for residents and team members alike, and we are looking for individuals who share our commitment to service, accountability, and excellence.

If you take pride in your work, enjoy leading others, and want to make a meaningful impact every day, we encourage you to apply.