Director of Dining Services - Upscale Retirement Community

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Dining Services - Upscale Retirement CommunityConfidential Leadership OpportunityA residential senior living community is seeking an experienced Director of Dining Services to oversee its food service and dining operations. This position calls for a strong leader who understands that a successful dining department depends equally on great food, reliable operations, engaged employees, and attentive service.The Director of Dining Services will provide overall leadership for the department, including culinary operations, staffing, menu planning, purchasing, budgeting, sanitation, and service delivery. The ideal candidate is comfortable leading from the floor and the kitchen, developing employees, managing costs, and building relationships with the people the department serves.This search is being conducted confidentially. Additional information regarding the organization and location will be provided to selected candidates as appropriate.What You'll Be Responsible ForDepartment LeadershipProvide day-to-day direction for all dining and culinary functions.Establish clear expectations for service, productivity, professionalism, and performance.Build schedules and staffing plans that support operational needs.Hire, orient, train, coach, and evaluate dining department employees.Create an environment where employees understand their responsibilities and work effectively as a team.Address performance or operational concerns promptly and constructively.Food & ServiceOversee meal preparation and service to maintain consistency, quality, and appropriate portioning.Plan menus that provide variety while considering nutritional needs, preferences, and dietary requirements.Regularly evaluate food quality, presentation, and service execution.Gather input from residents and use feedback to guide appropriate improvements.Coordinate special menus and food service for holidays, celebrations, and other gatherings.Maintain an approachable presence and respond professionally to questions, requests, and concerns.Business OperationsDevelop and manage department budgets and operating expenses.Monitor food costs, staffing levels, labor utilization, and purchasing.Manage ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory procedures.Maintain productive vendor relationships and evaluate purchasing decisions.Review department results and adjust practices when opportunities for improvement are identified.Maintain required operational and financial documentation.Standards & ComplianceEnsure food preparation and service practices meet applicable health and sanitation requirements.Maintain proper procedures for food storage, labeling, handling, temperatures, and rotation.Conduct routine inspections of food preparation, storage, and service areas.Ensure employees receive appropriate safety and sanitation training.Maintain departmental records and documentation required for regulatory or organizational purposes.Keep work areas orderly, properly maintained, and ready for service.Resident & Community ExperienceDevelop positive relationships with residents and remain receptive to their preferences and feedback.Work closely with other department leaders to coordinate programs, events, and community needs.Support an atmosphere in which meals are enjoyable, comfortable, and dependable.Participate as an active member of the community's leadership team.Look for practical ways to strengthen satisfaction and improve the overall dining program.Candidate ProfileSuccessful candidates will typically bring:Five or more years of culinary, dining, hospitality, or food service experience with progressive leadership responsibilities.Previous experience managing employees and day-to-day departmental operations.A background in senior living, hospitality, healthcare, restaurants, clubs, resorts, or another service-oriented setting.Knowledge of budgeting, food cost management, labor planning, purchasing, and inventory.Experience developing menus and working with modified diets or special dietary requirements.Strong understanding of sanitation, food handling, and kitchen safety practices.Current ServSafe Manager Certification.Strong communication, organization, and decision-making skills.The ability to lead effectively in a hands-on, fast-moving environment.A service mindset and an interest in working with an older adult population.The OpportunityThis role offers the opportunity to lead an important community department with significant influence over both daily operations and resident satisfaction. The Director of Dining Services will be expected to bring consistency, sound leadership, and fresh thinking to the department while building a team capable of delivering a dependable, high-quality dining program.Qualified candidates interested in learning more are encouraged to apply. Additional details will be shared during the selection process.