Director of Dining Services

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

403(b) match

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc. in Asheville, NC seeks a Dining Services Director to lead multi-venue dining across independent living and care levels.

This executive role focuses on culinary programming, budget control, and staff development, delivering best-in-class hospitality and guest experiences. You will mentor the Executive Chef and culinary team, drive innovative menus with longevity nutrition principles, ensure NC ABC compliance, and collaborate on campus master planning for

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership in high-volume, multi-venue dining operations.
• Proven budget oversight, labor optimization, procurement, and financial control.
• Strong ability to build, retain, and inspire large teams and foster a positive culture.
• Familiarity with NC ABC regulations or multi-venue alcohol service oversight.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic vision and best-in-class hospitality standards across all dining venues, catering, and care levels.
• Manage annual operating and capital budgets, controlling labor, food costs, and inventory.
• Champion culinary innovation and longevity nutrition in menu design.
• Provide leadership to Executive Chef, Assistant Directors of Dining Services, Administrative Assistant, Purchasing Coordinator, and frontline staff.
• Build relationships with residents and families, incorporating resident voice into program design.
• Partner on campus master planning including launching future rooftop and specialized venues.
• Oversee NC ABC alcohol service compliance, staff certifications, and beverage protocols.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget oversight

Team development

Hospitality mindset

NC ABC familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management

Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Job description

A premier, upscale senior living community in picturesque Asheville, NC, is seeking a dynamic Dining Services Director to lead its multi-venue dining operations. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers an exceptional lifestyle blending a vibrant arts and dining scene, rich cultural heritage, and abundant outdoor recreation. This executive role goes beyond daily meal execution; it is an opportunity to shape a best-in-class hospitality culture where food serves as a catalyst for connection, joy, and longevity. The position oversees campus-wide culinary programming, high-end venues, and catering across independent living and care levels, leading a dedicated team while driving forward-thinking culinary concepts.

Dining Services Director Responsibilities:

• Set the strategic vision and best-in-class hospitality standards across all dining venues, catering, and care levels.
• Manage annual operating and capital budgets, controlling labor, food costs, and inventory while maintaining exceptional service quality.
• Champion culinary innovation, integrating brain health and longevity nutrition principles into menu design in alignment with emerging industry trends.
• Provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Executive Chef, Assistant Directors of Dining Services, Administrative Assistant, Purchasing Coordinator, and frontline staff.
• Build meaningful relationships with residents and families, incorporating resident voice into program design while handling community feedback with discretion and warmth.
• Partner cross-departmentally on campus master planning, including the operational design and launch of future rooftop and specialized venue concepts.
• Oversee NC ABC alcohol service compliance, staff certifications, and responsible beverage protocols across campus venues.

Dining Services Director Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in high-volume, multi-venue dining operations (luxury senior living, upscale resort, or multi-unit hospitality environments).
• Proven expertise in budget oversight, labor optimization, procurement, and financial control.
• Demonstrated ability to build, retain, and inspire large, diverse teams while fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Strong hospitality mindset with a passion for personalized guest relations and community engagement.
• Familiarity with NC ABC regulations or multi-venue alcohol service oversight.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field preferred.
• Health Benefits: Generous employer-sponsored health coverage with 80% of premiums paid by the organization
• Retirement Plan: 403(b) plan featuring a highly competitive employer match of up to 6%