Associate Director of Dining Services

Job Description

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.

Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Associate assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.

Responsibilities

Assists in the day to day operation of all food and beverage operations at the community, by maintaining company
standards and meeting financial expectations of the department. Assists the current Dining Services Director as
needed or performs the duties of the Dining Services Director in their absence.

1. Assists in the supervision of preparation and cooking of food as determined by standard recipes.
2. Maintains a quality assurance program that guarantees residents receive fresh, tasty, well-prepared meals
   served promptly and politely.
3. Develops well-balanced recipes and menus in collaboration with chef and Dining Services Director.
4. Maintains the resident request logbook and forwards these request to the chef and Dining Services Director.
   Remains knowledgeable of all menus and descriptions.
5. Assists in maintaining food costs and ensuring budgetary compliance. Assists in the purchasing all food and non-food items.
6. Assists with the scheduling of all food service personnel to maintain compliance with budgetary guidelines.
   Assists with resident billing of food service charges. Assists in the maintenance of all department logs and
   ensures bookkeeping policies are followed.
7. Assists in ensuring all food and beverage is stored, handled and prepared under safe and sanitary conditions
   as set forth by the company and the local, state and county health departments.
8. Acts as the facility's representative for any health department of other required inspections; assures compliance, follows up to assure any deficiencies are immediately corrected in the absence of the Dining Services Director.
9. Hires, trains, disciplines and terminates departmental employees in accordance with company policies.
10. Assists in ensuring all department training standards are met and up to date.
11. Supervises the daily operation of dining room(s) and room service. Ensures room service orders are delivered timely and properly with the Dining Room Manager. Ensures smooth and timely opening of the dining room.
12. Inspects side work to ensure completion and closes dining room with the Dining Room Manager.
13. Provides supervision for special functions in the absence of the Dining Services Director. Assists appropriate staff to coordinate special events.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university with two to three years related experience and/or
training; or twelve years of experience and/or training in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts or Hospitality as
the educational equivalent preferred. Some experience working with seniors and older adults beneficial.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements
Obtain/hold any local, state and/or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and/or certificates. Must be ServSafe Certified. Registered Dietitian or Certified Dietary Manager preferred. Must have a valid driver license and access to a private vehicle for business use.

Management/Decision Making
Applies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment
and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a
combination of these.

Knowledge and Skills
Possesses extensive knowledge of a distinct skill or function and a thorough understanding of the organization and
work environment. Has working knowledge of a functional discipline. Basic knowledge of PC's and Word
Processing Software required, preferably in a Microsoft Windows environment. Additional skills in foreign
languages other than English preferred to communicate with property staff and residents. Training and hands-on
experience in food preparation and menu planning essential. Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to address staff, residents and visitors in a courteous and friendly manner. Ability to understand the dining
and nutritional needs of residents and ability to incorporate residents' desires into the dining services operation.
Extensive knowledge of food preparation and delivery. Knowledgeable of all aspects of food service positions with
food and beverage background. Extensive knowledge of federal, state and local regulations regarding the safety of
food preparation and handling. Willingness to communicate perceived physical and emotional needs of residents to
other skilled staff to assist with addressing their care needs.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Walking
• Sitting
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• On-Call on an as needed basis
• Reach with hands and arms
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Exposure to latex
• Ability to lift: Up to 50 pounds
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Requires Travel: Frequently
• Vision

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

About Us

Brookdale is a Great Place to Be :

• Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
• Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
• Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
• Industry leader in clinical care.
• Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
• Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.