Dining Services Director - Assisted Living

Benchmark-Senior-Living; East Lyme (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 holidays

3 floating holidays

Paid time off

Discounted meal program

Associate referral bonus program

Wellness programs (physical & mental)

Medical, Vision & Dental benefits

401k with company match

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Benchmark-Senior-Living is seeking a Food Service Director to lead on-site kitchen operations in our assisted living facility. The role combines hands-on cooking, staff supervision, and resident interaction to deliver quality meals and excellent service.

The position requires coordinating menus with dietary guidelines, maintaining regulatory compliance, and managing the department budget. Weekend coverage is required, along with strong communication with residents and families.

Qualifications

• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Knowledge of dietary procedures and Health Department regulations for food service operations.
• Ability to serve food and beverages promptly and efficiently.
• Lift up to 50 lbs; standing for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of food service professionals and complete daily administrative reports.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, local regulations and Benchmark standards.
• Report accidents and incidents to Executive Director.
• Ensure menus follow dietary guidelines and maintain records.
• Maintain cleanliness of all work areas and inspect storage facilities.
• Review temperature documentation for freezers and refrigerators.
• Address resident concerns promptly and act as liaison with staff.
• Manage department budget and maintain financial records and cost reports.
• Conduct monthly resident food advisory board meetings and record minutes.
• Work at least one weekend day every week.

Skills

Team management

Resident relations

Dietary procedures

Regulatory compliance

Food service operations

Following instructions

Job description

We invite you to connect with your calling, find purpose in your career, and gain lifelong relationships through the power of human connection by transforming the lives of seniors! The Food Service Director will be working in a hospitality model kitchen, cooking, serving, and interacting with residents of our assisted living care facility. If you are an experienced culinary professional with a passion for interacting with people and a desire to work for a great company that stresses a strong work-life balance, this is the ideal opportunity for you!

While the Food Service Director position does contain several management duties, this is not a full administrative position. We expect this individual to be hands‑on and, on the line, helping your cooks prepare and serve food at least 2 shifts per week. In addition, this person is expected to become integrated in the Benchmark community, interacting with residents and resident families and when necessary, acting as a liaison between residents and your staff.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing a team of food service professionals as you prepare quality meals for our residents Completing daily administrative reports
• Ensuring compliance with state, federal and local regulations as well as Benchmark’s S&P’s
• Reporting all accidents and incidents to Executive Director
• Assuring that planned menus are followed in accordance with established dietary guidelines records
• Assuring cleanliness of all work areas
• Inspecting food storage rooms, utility janitorial closets, etc. for upkeep, supply, and infection control
• Reviewing all temperature documentation of freezers, refrigerators, etc. for proper temperatures
• Addressing resident concerns or any problems with service immediately
• Managing department budget and maintain adequate financial records and cost reports
• Conducting monthly food advisory board meetings with residents and keeping minutes
• Working minimum one weekend day every work week

Requirements

• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must have knowledge of dietary procedures and related Health Department regulations and guidelines for food service operations.
• Must be able to serve food and beverages for residents in a prompt and efficient manner.
• Be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• This is primarily a standing position, required to stand in one place for extended periods.

As a community leader at Benchmark, you will have access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following:

• 8 holidays & 3 floating holidays
• Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off3
• Discounted Meal Program
• Associate Referral Bonus Program, up to $1,500
• Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs
• Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits; no enrollment waiting period
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-provided Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability