Dining Services Director at Allegro Winter Park

Allegro Senior Living, LLC; Winter Park (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Allegro Senior Living, LLC is seeking a Dining Services Director to lead the Dining Services department in a senior living community. You will manage staff, plan menus, order food, and ensure sanitary, appetizing meals for residents.

The role emphasizes high-quality dining experiences, adherence to safety standards, and collaboration with the Dietitian when required. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• 4+ years hands-on cooking and menu planning experience, preferably in senior living dining services or hotel industry with some management experience.
• Must have state Food Manager Certification or be able to certify within 30 days of hire.
• Familiar with common kitchen appliances (grill, steam table, refrigerators, can openers, food processors, etc.).
• Must have a positive Criminal Background Screening.
• If driving, must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR per Company Fleet Safety standards.
• MVR reviews are conducted at hire and periodically thereafter; non-compliance may affect driving duties.
• The Community is a Drug Free Workplace.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, supervise, and train Dining Services staff in day-to-day DS operations.
• Oversee and monitor payroll time clocks; review records with Business Office Manager.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and areas are clean and safe; adhere to infection control and sanitation procedures.
• Provide services and interactions to delight residents, prospects, and the community to drive referrals and occupancy.
• Ensure menu follows approved recipes and is nutritionally appealing; sign-off by a registered dietician if applicable.
• Other duties as assigned – see full job description.

Skills

Cooking

Menu planning

Staffing

Food ordering

Food delivery

Sanitation

Education

Food Manager Certification

Technical school degree

Job description

The primary responsibility of the Dining Services Director is to prepare healthy, appetizing meals, and manage the operation of the Dining Services (DS) department, to include staffing, food ordering, preparation, menu planning, food delivery, and sanitation. The main objective is to ensure that dining is the highlight of the residents' day.

Areas of Responsibility

• Schedule, supervise, and train Dining Services staff in day-to-day DS operations. Make job assignments and set priorities.
• Oversee and monitor that the staff are properly accounting for hours worked using time clock. Review the time clock records at least twice weekly and review with the Business Office Manager on a timely basis for payroll submission. Submit new hire paperwork as required.
• Ensure that equipment is maintained, and work areas are clean, safe, and orderly. Strictly adhere to procedures regarding infection control, food borne illness prevention, harmful chemical handling, fire, safety, and sanitation, promptly addressing any transgression.
• Provide services and interactions throughout the Community which delight the residents, prospects, and the greater community with inspired experiences which result in referrals and high occupancy.
• Ensure that the menu is followed, and meals are prepared according to the approved recipes. Ensure food is prepared in a nutritional, appetizing fashion, and presented in an attractive manner. If applicable, the menu is to be signed off by a registered dietician.
• Other job duties as assigned – see full job description.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. State specific guidelines may apply.
• Minimum of four (4) years hands‑on cooking and menu planning experience, preferably in senior living dining services or hotel industry and including some proven management experience.
• Must have state specific Food Manager Certification or be able to certify within 30 days of hire.
• Familiar with common kitchen appliances such as grill, steam table, refrigerator units, can openers, food processors, etc.
• Must have a positive Criminal Background Screening.
• If assigned driving responsibilities, the associate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in accordance with Company Fleet Safety standards. Driving duties are incidental to the primary responsibilities of this position and may be assigned based on business needs.
• MVR reviews will be conducted at hire and periodically thereafter in accordance with Company policy. Associates who do not meet or maintain Company driving standards may be ineligible to perform driving duties; however, such determination will not automatically affect continued employment in the position where driving is not an essential function.
• The Community is a drug free workplace; associates are subject to adherence to the Company Drug Free Workplace policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical school degree preferred.
• Food Manager certification is preferred.