Dining Specialist

Cedarhurst Senior Living; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Skechers shoe discounts

Early paycheck access

Job summary

Cedarhurst Senior Living in Spartanburg, SC is seeking a Dining Specialist to oversee food service operations. The candidate will be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals, training staff, and ensuring high levels of resident satisfaction.

The ideal applicant has at least three years of dining experience in a senior living community and excellent leadership skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• Three years of dining experience in a senior care community.
• Collaborative team player with effective working relationships.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the food service program.
• Plan and prepare appealing, nutritious meals.
• Train and support dining teams.
• Recruit and hire new dining service staff.

Skills

Dining experience

Leadership skills

Customer service

Organization

Communication skills

Education

Food safety manager certification

2-5 years of dining leadership experience

Tools

Internet Explorer

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Word

Job description

Position Title

Dining Specialist

About Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Why Work For Cedarhurst

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long‑term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• At Cedarhurst, we go beyond the standard benefits program to recognize and support our team. Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Points—a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication. You’ll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more!

Position Summary

To provide supervision and direction to the food service program in assigned communities, plan and prepare appealing, nutritious meals for residents and guests, train and support dining teams and leadership, and promote culture changes.

Essential Duties

• Schedule staff on an ongoing basis (schedule posted at least two weeks in advance).
• Plan and implement a menu cycle that is well‑received by residents and features seasonal items.
• Keep food and supply costs within budget.
• Maintain good communication with all vendors.
• Maintain, order, and account for food inventories required to complete duties.
• Instruct all employees on operation, maintenance, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment.
• Show thorough knowledge of all food service positions and provide hands‑on training to staff.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment works properly.
• Handle food safely and appropriately.
• Provide cook coverage when necessary (on‑call duties).
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining services shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs.
• Recruit and hire new dining service staff.
• Orientate new dining service staff or those needing extra assistance.
• Maintain and promote healthy relationships between staff and families.
• Assist the Executive Director with monthly staff in‑service meetings and on committees as appointed.
• Assist with sales/marketing procedures to develop and enhance satisfaction levels and participate in resident sales, tours, and community needs when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises 1–15 employees in the day‑to‑day presentation of dining services developed specifically for seniors.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of dining experience in a senior care community with proven leadership and organizational skills; state‑required food preparation license required.
• Collaborative team player able to establish effective working relationships with team members.
• Previous staff management and/or coaching and mentoring experience.
• Experience promoting high levels of customer service and hospitality among residents, associates, and visitors.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and attention to detail.
• Self‑motivated with a strong sense of accountability for results.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; comfortable presenting to large groups.
• Dependable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Appreciation of seniors and understanding of the aging process.
• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Education and/or Experience

• 2–5 years of dining leadership experience (restaurants, hotels, country clubs, senior living communities) or accredited culinary training and 4–6 years of culinary experience.
• Food safety manager certification, required.
• Applicable state licensure, required.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of laws and restrictions regarding Assisted Living care and understanding of opportunities and limits of other levels of care within senior living.
• Promotion of high levels of customer service, hospitality, curiosity, and friendliness toward prospects, residents, visitors, employees, and the community.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle.

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word applications.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift/move 50 lbs, maintain a stationary position, operate equipment, ascend/descend freely, and communicate with team members, residents, and families.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.