Dietary Manager

Position Summary

The Dietary Manager oversees daily food service operations to ensure safe, nutritious, appealing meals that meet residents’ or patients’ dietary needs. This position supervises dietary staff, manages purchasing and inventory, maintains sanitation standards, and coordinates with the registered dietitian and care team.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise food preparation and meal service to ensure quality, proper portions, and timely delivery.

• Implement menus and prescribed diets in coordination with the registered dietitian, including food allergies and texture modifications.

• Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate dietary staff.

• Monitor food temperatures, storage, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.

• Order food and supplies, maintain inventory, and control costs and waste.

• Maintain dietary records, cleaning schedules, temperature logs, and staff training documentation.

• Address meal preferences and concerns with residents, patients, families, and staff.

• Support inspections and audits and complete corrective actions when needed.

• Coordinate equipment maintenance and maintain a clean, organized kitchen.

• Follow facility policies and applicable food service requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; related education or training preferred.

• Experience in food service operations, preferably in healthcare, senior living, or long-term care.

• Supervisory experience preferred.

• Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP) credential preferred or required by the facility.

• Food protection certification as required for the position.

• Knowledge of food safety, special diets, inventory management, and budgeting.

• Strong communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions

Work involves frequent standing and walking in a kitchen environment, exposure to heat and cold, and moving food or supplies. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required.