Senior Director of Operations Dining Services

Senior Director of Operations –Dining Services

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Operations for Dining Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight with the Dining Services Regional Team across multiple healthcare communities, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living, long-term care, and post-acute care environments. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, resident satisfaction, financial performance, and team development across a regional portfolio.

The Senior Director partners closely with regional leadership, administrators, clinical teams, and culinary staff to ensure high-quality dining experiences that support resident wellness, hospitality standards, and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee Regional Dining Services operation team across multiple healthcare facilities within assigned markets or regions.

• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service quality, consistency, resident satisfaction, and efficiency.

• Conduct regular site visits, operational audits, and performance reviews to ensure company standards are maintained.

• Support facility leadership teams with problem-solving, staffing strategies, survey readiness, and operational improvements.

• Lead start-ups, transitions, acquisitions, and turnaround initiatives as needed.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local healthcare regulations including sanitation, food safety, infection control, and dietary requirements.

• Maintain readiness for state surveys, Joint Commission inspections, and Department of Health reviews.

• Partner with Registered Dietitians and clinical teams to support therapeutic diets, nutritional compliance, and resident-centered care plans.

• Monitor and improve food safety programs, HACCP procedures, and workplace safety initiatives.

Financial Management

• Manage regional budgets, labor controls, food cost performance, and overall P&L accountability.

• Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to identify operational opportunities and risks.

• Drive purchasing compliance, inventory controls, and cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.

• Collaborate with procurement and vendor partners to optimize supply chain performance.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Regional Directors, Dining Managers, Executive Chefs, and facility leadership teams.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, and retention initiatives across the region.

• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, hospitality, and continuous improvement.

• Provide coaching and performance management to ensure operational goals and leadership expectations are achieved.

Client & Resident Relations

• Build strong relationships with healthcare administrators, ownership groups, residents, families, and corporate partners.

• Respond proactively to concerns and implement action plans to improve satisfaction outcomes.

• Promote hospitality-driven dining programs that enhance resident experience and quality of life.

• Support special events, holiday programming, and community engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Nutrition, Healthcare Administration, Culinary Management, or related field preferred.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare dining services, food service management, or senior living operations.

• Multi-site healthcare or senior living operational leadership experience required.

• Strong knowledge of long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living dining operations.

• Experience managing budgets, labor productivity, food costs, and operational performance metrics.

• Knowledge of CMS regulations, state survey processes, food safety standards, and healthcare compliance requirements.

• Proven ability to lead large teams across multiple markets and develop high-performing leaders.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and client relationship management skills.

• Ability to travel regularly within assigned regions.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in skilled nursing facility (SNF) environments.

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Serv Safe Certification preferred.

• Experience with healthcare food service systems, procurement platforms, and budget management software.

• Background in hospitality-focused dining programs and culture transformation initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership

• Multi-Unit Operations Management

• Financial Acumen

• Regulatory Compliance

• Team Development

• Client Relations

• Resident Satisfaction

• Change Management

• Operational Excellence

• Survey Readiness

Work Environment

This position requires frequent travel to healthcare facilities and the ability to work in fast-paced operational environments. The Senior Director must be capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and responsiveness.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Healthcare benefits

• Paid time off

• Mileage/travel reimbursement

• Professional development opportunities