Director of Dining Services

Job Description Brookdale North Raleigh is hiring a Director of Dining Services to join their growing team. This role serves a Senior Living community that supports residents through Independent Living. Overview Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. Brookdale offers a dedicated career path, a culture of caring, a diverse team, and opportunities to grow within the largest senior living company in the United States. Employees enjoy a competitive benefits package and commitments to ongoing professional development. Key Responsibilities Directs food service operations within the community, including all food preparation, dining room operations, and dining delivery services. Purchases food, manages inventory, and ensures cost controls, vendor service, and quality. Ensures the highest nutrition and food quality for residents. Complies with all federal, state, and local regulations to maintain sanitary and safe operations. Plans and executes entertaining dining events and themes in conjunction with the Activities Director, Marketing Director, and other administrative staff. May also cater events as requested by residents or staff. Hires, trains, and manages all supervisory staff for kitchen, dining room, catering, and delivery services, ensuring a safe and sanitary environment. Coaches supervisors in staffing, motivation, discipline, and training. Consults with chefs and cooks to develop and maintain pleasing and nutritious menus, incorporating resident preferences. Collaborates with dieticians, nursing staff, and care associates to coordinate meal selection, preparation, and delivery. Develops department budget, approves food orders, and monitors inventory to meet demand while minimizing cost and waste. Encourages enjoyable socialization through food presentation and events, improving dining room décor and condition. Networks with Regional Food Service Directors to enhance operations, reduce costs, and secure new program ideas. This job description provides an overview of responsibilities and does not represent a comprehensive list. An associate should perform duties assigned by their supervisor. Qualifications Education and Experience College degree in food service or hospitality management is preferred. Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry, with at least three years in a supervisory role involving food preparation and customer service. Experience must include management of food inventories and budgets. Certifications, Licenses, and Other Requirements Current ServSafe Certification is required. Must obtain and maintain any local, state, or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and certificates. Management/Decision Making Applies guidelines to make varied decisions within the department, using sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems. Demonstrates ability to manage a large number of associates directly and through supervisors. Knowledge and Skills Extensive knowledge of food preparation, delivery, and federal, state, and local regulations regarding food safety. Strong communication skills to address residents, staff, and visitors. Ability to incorporate resident preferences into dining services. Proficiency in managing a full-service budget and ability to work with strong customer service orientation. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Standing, walking, sitting, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and reaching with hands and arms. Use of hands and fingers to handle or feel, occasional climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Talk or hear, taste or smell, vision required. Interaction with co‑workers, residents, or vendors. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, latex, blood‑borne pathogens, chemicals, or biological hazards. Occasional weekend, evening, or night work; occasional travel needed. Exposure to risk of injury from falls, burns, odors, or equipment cuts. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision insurance 401(k) plan Associate assistance program Employee discounts Referral program Early access to earned wages (outside of CA) Optional voluntary benefits (ID theft protection, pet insurance) Paid Time Off Paid holidays Company‑provided life insurance Adoption benefit Tuition reimbursement Full‑time associates are eligible for all benefits. Temporary associates may participate only in the 401(k) program. Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. Brookdale offers advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs up to $725 for qualified associates who have been employed for at least one year. Application Window The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the posting date. Equal Employment Opportunity Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr