Director of Dining (Senior Living)

Senior Living Communities, LLC; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Senior Living Communities, LLC is seeking a Director of Dining for a large CCRC site. The role oversees daily dining operations, ensures exceptional service and a quality food product in line with regulations and company standards.

The position prioritizes leadership, menu quality, resident satisfaction, and budget responsibility, with opportunities to collaborate across marketing and events within the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree desired.
• Management experience required.
• 2 years’ experience in a similar management position desired.
• Desirable: certified dietary manager certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performance dining service delivery team and ensure quality, safety and performance standards.
• Oversee Dining Services program implementation and delivery.
• Communicate openly with residents, families and guests to ensure satisfaction.
• Develop and manage dietary staff through leadership, mentoring and training.
• Collaborate with marketing and events to promote the community.
• Assist in budgeting for dining services to meet financial goals.
• Maintain clean, safe dining environments per regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in Manager on Duty program and cross-community projects.
• Stay informed on special diets for healthcare residents and training.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Customer service

Regulatory compliance

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's degree

Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

Job description

At Wildewood Downs, we're not just a luxury senior living company; we're a community recognized as a Great Place to Work® and we take immense pride in that designation. Our philosophy, “People First, Always,” underscores everything we do. We believe that our dedicated team is our greatest asset, driving us to create compassionate, respectful, and meaningful interactions every day.

Why Choose Wildewood Downs

We believe hospitality should be rewarding, not exhausting.

If you love creating exceptional dining experiences but are ready to leave behind the late nights, stressful restaurant grind, and unpredictable schedules, senior living may be the career change you’ve been looking for.

At Wildewood Downs, you’ll still use your dining operations and passion for service, but in a meaningful environment where relationships matter, your work is appreciated, and you can enjoy a better quality of life.

Why Hospitality Professionals Love Working Here

• Consistent Schedule & Quality of Life: No midnight closes. No bar rushes. More balance for you and your family.
• Meaningful Connections: Our residents know your name, appreciate your work, and become part of your daily purpose.
• Scratch Kitchen Culture: We take pride in preparing high-quality meals from scratch with care, creativity, and consistency.
• Positive Team Environment: Join a collaborative team where respect, teamwork, and professionalism matter.

We’re Looking For a Director Of Dining

This position manages the day-to-day dining services operations of a large CCRC site, ensuring member satisfaction by consistently delivering exceptional service and a quality food product in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and Senior Living Communities’ policies, procedures and standards.

Essential Functions

• Attract, retain, coach, motivate and lead a high performance dining service delivery team; hold the team accountable for meeting all quality, safety and other performance standards.
• Assures the implementation and efficient delivery of Dining Services program.
• Establishes and assures the timely, open, and effective communication of all dietary associates with residents and family members and guests, assuring excellent customer satisfaction.
• Builds, develops, and effectively manages all dietary associates, optimizing individual and team performance through effective leadership, mentoring, and training.
• Works with other departments in marketing the community, including participation in community events, public relations and personal visits.
• Assists in the development of and adheres to the Dining Services budget, ensuring the delivery of excellent services and products while achieving the financial goals set for the community.
• Assures the kitchen environment and all physical areas in dining are properly maintained in a clean, orderly and safe manner, according to regulatory guidelines.
• Administers and participates in Senior Living Communities’ “Manager on Duty” program.
• Serves on special projects and assignments outside of his/her own community to support other communities or the broader portfolio.
• Keeps abreast of special need diets for Healthcare residents and ensures proper execution.
• Participates in and attends all in-service training and education programs as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education And Experience Requirements

• Four-year college or university degree desired.
• Management experience required.
• 2 years’ experience in a similar management position desired.
• Desired, not required: Completion of an accredited dietary management curriculum (Certified Dietary Manager) as accepted or approved by the state in which employed
• Senior Living experience desired.