Dining Services Director

ridgelandplace; Ridgeland (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pegasus Senior Living seeks a Dining Services Director to lead all dining operations with a focus on culinary excellence, hospitality, and resident satisfaction. You will manage menu planning, food production, purchasing, and budgeting while serving as lead chef part of the week.

The role emphasizes building a strong dining team, fostering a culture of accountability, and delivering personalized dining experiences for older adults within a supportive community.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of culinary leadership or foodservice management experience.
• Willingness to learn in a Senior Living environment (experience not required).
• Passion for hospitality and serving older adults with dignity.
• Strong foundation in scratch cooking and menu development.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and maintain high performance standards.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation regulations, and kitchen best practices.
• Experience managing food costs, labor budgets, purchasing, and inventory.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• High school diploma or GED; culinary degree or certifications preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet background requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead all dining operations, including menu planning, food production, purchasing, inventory management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as lead chef up to three days per week, maintaining high standards for food quality, flavor, and presentation.
• Champion a scratch-cooking culture emphasizing fresh preparation and resident satisfaction.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing dining team; foster accountability and teamwork.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Foodservice management

Scratch cooking

Menu development

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Team development

Communication

MS Office

Hospitality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary degree or certifications preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Great Food Is Great Care

At Pegasus Senior Living, we believe every meal is an opportunity to create comfort, connection, and joy. Our dining program is built around fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, genuine hospitality, and the belief that dining should be one of the most anticipated parts of every resident's day.

We're seeking a Dining Services Director who is equal parts culinary leader, hospitality professional, and team builder. If you take pride in serving restaurant-quality food, developing people, and creating memorable dining experiences, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As Dining Services Director, you'll lead all aspects of our dining operation while helping shape the culture of one of the most important departments in our community.

Culinary Leadership

• Lead all dining operations, including menu planning, food production, purchasing, inventory management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance
• Serve as lead chef up to three days per week, maintaining high standards for food quality, flavor, consistency, and presentation
• Champion a scratch-cooking culture that emphasizes fresh preparation, culinary creativity, and resident satisfaction
• Ensure meals are prepared and served with pride, attention to detail, and hospitality at every touchpoint

Team Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing dining team
• Foster a positive kitchen culture built on accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and mutual respect
• Create an environment where associates are engaged, supported, and empowered to grow their skills
• Lead by example, demonstrating excellence in both culinary execution and customer service

Resident Experience

• Build meaningful relationships with residents and families
• Learn residents' preferences, dietary needs, and dining habits to deliver a personalized dining experience
• Partner closely with health services and community leadership to identify and respond to changes in appetite, nutritional needs, or dining satisfaction
• Participate in resident meetings and dining feedback opportunities to continuously improve the program

Operational Excellence

• Manage location food purchasing, inventory controls, and labor resources to achieve financial goals
• Maintain accurate meal counts and documentation for residents, guests, and staff meals
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and company standards
• Drive continuous improvement in service, quality, cleanliness, and efficiency

What We're Looking For

• Five or more years of culinary leadership or foodservice management experience
  • Senior Living experience not required - only a willingness to learn
• Passion for hospitality and serving older adults with dignity, warmth, and respect
• Strong culinary foundation with experience in scratch cooking and menu development
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and maintain high performance standards
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation regulations, and kitchen best practices
• Experience managing food costs, labor budgets, purchasing, and inventory
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree or professional certifications preferred
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Pegasus Senior Living background and driving requirements

Why Pegasus Senior Living?

At Pegasus, dining is not viewed as a support service - it's a cornerstone of the resident experience. Our Dining Services Directors have the opportunity to make a visible impact every day through food, hospitality, and leadership.

What You'll Find Here

• A culture that values hospitality, culinary excellence, and genuine human connection
• The opportunity to lead a chef-driven dining program focused on quality and resident satisfaction
• Meaningful work that directly enhances the lives of older adults
• Supportive leadership that values innovation, creativity, and professional growth
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing senior living organization

If you believe food has the power to bring people together, create meaningful moments, and improve quality of life, we'd love to welcome you to the Pegasus family.

PSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, PSL will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective associates and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with PSL.