Director of Dining Services & Regional Support

The Arbor at Berkeley seeks an experienced executive chef with multi-site management experience to lead the dining services at our senior living community in Berkeley and partner with our other senior living communities in a regional capacity. 

Responsible for creating a vibrant and inclusive dining program for senior residents, our Director of Dining Services will bring a fresh approach to senior dining, blending culinary excellence with a deep understanding of nutrition and seniors' preferences. This role combines leadership, creativity, and operational expertise to elevate our dining services to new heights. 

The Director of Dining Services will lead The Arbor at Berkeley team in providing meal service for up to 96 residents in our assisted living and memory care. Additionally, as the need arises within the Southwest region (CA, AZ, NV, MO) the Director of Dining Services will advise and partner with other Executive Directors to oversee the management of dining services at our other communities.

A candidate can expect a wage of $105,000-115,000, commensurate with experience, plus full-time benefits with PACS. Candidate review will begin immediately until the position is filled. The probable start date is early October 2026.

Essential Duties

For The Arbor at Berkeley: 
Staff Management
• Supervise staff in the day-to-day operations of assigned areas.
• Hire, train, discipline and when appropriate, terminate dining employees.
• Orient new staff and participate in recruitment and selection.
• Make job assignments, set priorities. 
• Publish staff work schedules, minimize overtime costs.
• Communicate policies, assist and coach as needed.
• Monitor work assignments, provide feedback, evaluate performance and discipline as needed.
• Assist others as requested and function as a working supervisor in all areas of responsibility as the departments' budgeted hours and workload require.
• Conduct, attend and participate in orientation, training, in-service education activities and staff meetings.

Meal Planning and Coordination
• Direct and participate the preparation and service of food that is safe, appetizing and is of the quality and quantity to meet each resident's needs in accordance with the physician's orders.
• Plan and assist in preparation and service of holiday, special meals and functions.
• Process new diet orders and diet changes, maintain the system to track updates and changes.
• Order food and supplies.
• Inspects the dining areas regularly to ensure they are safe and sanitary.
• Maintains the proper temperature of food during preparation and service. Records food temperatures according to established policy.
• Maintain kitchen and food storage area in a safe, orderly, clean and sanitary manner.
• Ensure equipment and work areas are clean, safe and orderly; ensure Universal precautions and infection control, isolation, fire, safety and sanitation practices and procedures are followed; and promptly address any hazardous conditions and equipment.

Administrative Duties
• Visit all residents to conduct nutritional assessment and screening, explain diet, record food preferences and promote quality food service.
• Maintain record, manage budgets and supplies, and fulfill department head responsibilities
• Assist in preparing and planning the Dining department's budget and submit to the Executive Director for review, recommendations, and approval. 
• Maintain cost and work to meet budget guidelines.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.

Support for the Southwest Region of PACS Senior Living:
Responsibilities
• Providing on-site support to other communities during Dining Services leadership vacancies or periods of transition.
• Training and onboarding new Directors of Dining Services (DDS).
• Delivering ongoing virtual coaching and support related to ordering processes, staffing models, training programs, regulatory compliance, and dining services best practices.
• Assisting with the implementation and standardization of regional dining initiatives, operational standards, and menu programs.
• Sharing best practices and helping communities improve resident satisfaction, labor management, food cost controls, and overall dining operations.

A successful candidate will:
• Hold 5-10 years of experience as an Executive Chef.
• Multi-site management experience preferred.
• Experienced in hospitality, preferably in the senior living industry.
• Available for travel within the Southwest region of California, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with residents, staff, and vendors.
• Great management skills and a willingness and desire to work harmoniously with all staff members.
• Plan, coordinate, and assist with events and activities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of senior residents.
• Be aligned with the mission, vision, and values of PACS.

Supervisory Requirements 
This position is responsible for managing and overseeing multiple levels of employees either directly or indirectly. Responsibilities may include, but not limited to, hiring, training, budgeting, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, resolving problems and terminations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Qualification Education and/or Experience 
• Hold 5-10 years of experience as an Executive Chef.
• Multi-site management experience preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the Microsoft Suite products.
• Must maintain all required continuing education/licensing.
• Must remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification Division at all times.
• Current ServSafe certification required as indicated by State / County law. 
• ServSafe Foodhandler Certification
Language Skills 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Mathematical Skills 
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Physical Demands 
• Travel by auto or airline may be required.

Work Environment 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.