Director of Dining Services

MBK Senior Living; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 4%

Free meal per shift

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Job summary

MBK Senior Living in California seeks a Director of Dining Services to lead the dining program with hospitality and high-quality experiences for residents, families, and guests. The role oversees food production, menu development, safety compliance, and departmental budgets while mentoring a dedicated team aligned with MBK’s mission and values.

The position requires 5+ years in dining or hospitality leadership, ServSafe and Food Handler certifications, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• ServSafe and Food Handler certifications required.
• 5+ years in dining or hospitality leadership.
• Senior living experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the dining program to deliver outstanding hospitality for residents, families, and guests.
• Oversee food production, menu development, and safety compliance.
• Manage department budget and purchasing from approved vendors.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing dining services team.
• Ensure health, safety, and regulatory compliance across all dining operations.

Skills

ServSafe Certification

Food Handler Certification

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework or degree

Job description

Director of Dining Services

At MBK Senior Living, we’re committed to putting people first – our residentsand__team members. Exceeding expectations and enriching lives drives our day-to-day. And it’s all powered by Yoi Shigoto, a Japanese concept that translates to “good, quality work.” It’s more than a mantra. It’s part of our company-wide commitment to build trust, set high standards, and develop potential in ourselves and others!

Whether you’re looking for a flexible, part-time job or the pathway to a lasting career, you’ll find it here at MBK Senior Living–and a whole lot more! When you join the MBK Senior Living team, you’ll enjoy:

• Impacting lives and building lasting relationships

• Executing exceptional signature programs in dining, fitness, wellness, and care

• A supportive community team that encourages personal and professional growth and celebrates your success

• A fun-filled, energetic environment that’s centered in hospitality and high-quality service

• Competitive salaries

• Leadership Development, Live In-Person Training, Virtual Training, Individual & Group Trainings

All Team Members

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and household members
• Financial and legal services
• Educational Loan Assistance & Scholarships
• Team Member Discount Programs
• Resources to support your physical, emotional, and financial wellness
• Free meal per shift

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Team Members

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Multiple medical plan options, including a Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible plan with company contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• Commuter Benefits
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Disability benefits (where applicable and subject to state-specific programs and eligibility requirements)
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

If you’re looking for a place where you can make an impact, find purpose and joy, and receive the training, tools, and support to reach your career goals.

Job Description

$73,000/year, salary, Monday - Friday daytime hours

Job Summary

The Director of Dining Services leads the dining program to ensure outstanding hospitality and a high-quality experience for residents, families, and guests. This role oversees food production, menu development, safety compliance, and departmental budgets, while building and mentoring a high-performing team aligned with MBK’s mission and values.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Interview, hire, train, coach, supervise, and retain dining staff.
• Set performance goals and timelines, monitor performance of Executive Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers, Dining Managers, Dining Supervisors, and Servers.
• Make employment decisions in the interest of MBK, including transfer, suspend, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or counsel team members.
• Participate as Manager on Duty (MOD) and collaborate as a member of the leadership team.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals in a timely and consistent manner with local customs and tastes.
• Maintain inventory control on quantity and condition of all kitchen equipment and ensure a monthly inventory of china, glass, and silver is conducted.
• Manage department budget (food, supplies, and labor) and purchasing from approved vendors.
• Establish menus with recipes to support them in collaboration with the Chef.
• Continually check the market for new ideas, cooking techniques, and products.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations regarding food preparation, storage, service, and safe working conditions of all food service equipment.
• Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, garnishing, and presentation of food to ensure consistent quality standards are met.
• Investigate and resolve resident comments and suggestions regarding food selection, quality, and/or service.
• Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
• Conduct departmental planning and forecasting, and fluidly manage operations based on occupancy and economic conditions.
• Model high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing a name tag when working.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, residents, and guests following established safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Understand and comply with Federal, State, and local regulations, and company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations across all dining operations.
• Promote a culture of engagement and continuous improvement by leading with a spirit of teamwork and open communication and by utilizing consistent mentoring, coaching, and recognition, in alignment with MBK principles and core values.
• Perform other job duties or special projects as assigned or requested by the Executive Director (ED).

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED), required.
• College coursework or degree, preferred.

Experience Requirements (in years)

• 5+ years in dining or hospitality leadership, required.
• Senior living experience, preferred.

Required Competencies/Licenses/Certifications

• ServSafe and Food Handler’s Certificate required.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, and Outlook) and operating standard office equipment.
• Must complete required Background clearances, health screening and provide negative TB test results within 7 days of employment (must be within the last 6 months).
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak, write and read English and may be comfortable with speaking in public settings and presenting to small groups.
• Must possess the ability to always deal tactfully and professionally with personnel, residents, family members, and guests.
• Must possess strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Must possess the ability to make sound, independent decisions when circumstances warrant, remain calm, and effectively manage conflicts, stressful, or emergency situations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be mobile and able to perform the physical requirements of the job, including walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, reaching overhead, and repetitive motion, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 250 pounds, as needed, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Able to move intermittently throughout the workday, throughout the community, and physically assist residents during routine transfers or in emergency situations.

Inspiring people, creating experiences, and supporting goals are just a few ways MBK Senior Living creates a positive work environment. It’s how we support our team members, serve our residents, and achieve our pursuit – to be the senior living provider of choice in each market we serve.

MBK Senior Living has pursued this goal for more than 30 years. Currently, the company owns and operates 35 Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services in senior living communities throughout the Western United States. We’re proud to have been ranked among the Top 50 “Best Workplaces in Aging Services” by Fortune magazine and certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work Institute since 2017.

MBK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected reason. Our company is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for qualifying individuals in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [e-mail].

Regulatory Disclosures for Senior Living Communities with Medicaid Residents

An “Excluded Party” is a person that the federal or state government found not eligible to provide care and services in a facility that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding. If employed at one of our senior living communities that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding, team members must not be considered an “Excluded Party” as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, any state Medicaid Programs, and any additional federal and state government contract programs. If, as a team member, you learn that you are an Excluded Party at any time, you must present your Excluded Party notice letter to your supervisor immediately.

Other Regulatory Requirements

If employed at one of our senior living communities, team members must continually comply with certain laws and regulations that impact the company, including, but not limited to, as applicable, state licensing regulations, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Resident Rights as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and any other federal or state laws relating to team members’ professional licenses.

HIPAA Disclosure

All Team Members prior to commencing employment and once employed must not be considered an “Excluded Party” as defined by the Medicare and state Medicaid Programs as well as other federal and state government contract programs. If as an associate you learn you are an Excluded Party, you must present your Excluded Party notice letter to your supervisor immediately. An Excluded Party is a person that the federal or state government found not eligible to provide care and services in a Community that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding. In addition, at all times, during your employment, all associates must be in compliance with certain laws and regulations that affect the company, including but not limited to Resident Rights, HIPAA, State licensing regulations, and those laws relating you an associates’ professional license.