Regional Director of Dining Services (IL & IN Region)

Regional Dining Services Director

The Regional Dining Services Director reports to the Corporate Executive Chef and is responsible for the oversight, training, and support of Dining Services departments across assigned Cedarhurst communities. This role partners with Executive Directors and the regional team to ensure every community meets Cedarhurst standards for food quality, presentation, service, safety, and budget performance. Responsibilities include hiring support for new Dining Services Directors, ongoing training for both new and tenured DSDs, quality assurance and health department compliance, site visits with written follow-up, and leading the dining portion of the pre-opening process for new communities.

This role requires frequent weekly travel across assigned communities and includes an auto and phone allowance.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• Work that makes a difference in the lives of our residents and community
• Access to our St. Louis Home Office, which includes an on-site gym with brand new equipment, personal training, group classes, and stretching sessions (for visiting or office-based team members)
• Catered lunches and regular team events at our Home Office
• Auto and phone allowance to support you in a mobile, travel-based role
• Meaningful opportunities to build relationships with residents, families, and team members across multiple communities

Essential Duties:

• Provide support and knowledge to Executive Directors with interviewing and screening process for new DSD's
• Continuous training and follow up with incoming and tenured Dining Services Directors on all vendor accounts, menu systems, budgets, and Cedarhurst Dining programs.
• Maintain consistent supervision of community Dining Service departments as assigned by the Executive Director, Regional Directors, Senior Regional Dining Services Director, Corporate Executive Chef and COO
• Ensure that Quality Assurance schedule is being followed at assigned communities
• Ensure that all FDA, State, County, and Local health department guidelines are adhered to on a shift by - shift basis
• Ensure that all DSD's and attached staff have current food safety certifications, as required
• Oversee assigned departments for menu, presentation, and service standards compliance
• Coordinate with the RDO and Executive Directors for each community to ensure budgetary compliance
• Produce and distribute a Community Site Visit report at each visit and distribute accordingly. Follow up on the noted topics with ED and DSD for that community
• Ensure that all assigned communities are completing all daily food safety checks including:
• Food temperature logs
• Refrigeration logs
• Titration logs
• Cleaning logs
• Coordinate sampling of meals at assigned communities. Ensure that all food served meets quality standards
• Coordinate oversight of dining service during meal periods at assigned communities to include "restaurant quality" atmosphere
• Train (ongoing) all Dining Services leaders and team members on proper food quality and presentation techniques
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the Pre-Opening process for each assigned new community, including assisting the ED in staffing, preparing the Dining space(s), communicating with local and state health departments, coordinating vendor schedules, and installing all Cedarhurst systems according to the Pre-Opening task list
• Provide ongoing support for each community in customizing and enhancing standards, guidelines, logs, and checklists as needed
• Assist in facilitating and attending community Food Focus Groups, resident Council Meetings, and other resident groups, as needed
• Ensure that quality ordering standards are met for all food purchases
• Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst guidelines for infection control
• Assist with inter-departmental events for holidays, activities, and celebrations
• Available to travel as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Corporate Executive Chef

Qualifications, Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree 2-5 years of experience OR accredited culinary training
• Three (3) years of dining experience in a senior care community with proven leadership and organizational skills, state required food preparation license required.?
• ServSafe certification, required??
• Applicable State licensure, required?
• Collaborative team player able to establish effective working relationships with team members.
• Previous staff management and/or coaching and mentoring of dining services team experience.???
• Demonstrated experience in promoting a high level of customer service and hospitality towards and among all residents, associates, and visitors??
• Possess an appreciation of seniors and an understanding of the aging process.??
• Must possess a general knowledge of laws and restrictions regarding Assisted Living care, as well as a solid understanding of opportunities and limits of other levels of care within senior living.??
• Must exhibit and promote a high level of customer service, hospitality, curiosity and friendliness towards all prospects, residents, visitors, employees, and the overall community.??
• Must possess a valid driver's license and vehicle.

Working Conditions:

• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
• This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.