Director of Dining Services

Unidine; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Holiday Time Off

Personal Leave

Health and Wellness Programs

Job summary

Unidine is seeking a Director of Dining Services in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall food and beverage operations, ensuring resident satisfaction through high-quality service. This role also requires strategic management of budgets and financial performance while building a positive work environment. Preferred qualifications include a B.S. in Food Services Management and 5-7 years of operational management experience. Competitive salary of $80,000 - $85,000 plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• Strong supervisory, leadership, management, and coaching skills.
• Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting, and computational skills.
• Ability to communicate at various levels, including management and client.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategy aligned with client business strategy.
• Manage account in accordance with the approved budget.
• Understand client’s business model to prioritize resident needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Food Safety Knowledge

Customer Service

Education

B.S. in Food Services Technology/Management or related field

5-7 years of direct foodservice operational management experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

ServSafe® Certification

Job description

Director of Dining Services, Washington DC

Salary: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00
Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus up to 15%

Job Summary

The Director of Dining Services is the strategic business leader of the community’s food and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a consistently high-quality product and best-in-class hospitality, while also meeting financial goals and driving a positive work environment. You will oversee the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensure the implementation of the Compass Community Living’s service strategy as well as serve as the face of the company.

Key Responsibilities

Leading Food & Beverage Operation:

• Develop and implement overall operating strategy aligned with Compass Community Living and client business strategy.
• Own outcomes as if the business owner and hold the on‑site leadership team accountable for service behaviors.
• Rapidly evaluate personnel, operations, and culinary situations and recommend appropriate actions.
• Maintain a professional, positive demeanor with resilience during stressful periods.
• Perform daily walk‑throughs to ensure compliance with Department of Health regulations and Compass Group standards.
• Direct and conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs.
• Ensure regular, ongoing communication throughout all food and beverage areas through pre‑meal briefings and staff meetings.
• Advise and update executives, supervisors, co‑workers, and subordinates in a timely manner via phone, written, e‑mail, or in person.

Business and Financial Competence:

• Understand market dynamics, enterprise objectives, and key aspects of the business to diagnose strengths, anticipate risks, and identify opportunities.
• Recognize and understand P&L drivers for analysis and results evaluation.
• Develop overall budget and manage the account in accordance with the approved budget.
• Coach and support team to manage wages, food & beverage cost, and controllable expenses.
• Review financial reports to determine performance against budget.
• Collaborate with the team to resolve concerns and improve financial performance.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service:

• Understand the client’s business model to prioritize resident needs.
• Be visible and build relationships with residents, staff, and other departments.
• Review resident satisfaction data to identify improvements and share feedback.
• Improve service through communication and coaching.
• Stay aware of market trends and introduce new products to meet and exceed resident expectations.
• Empower employees to provide excellent service that exceeds expectations.

Team Building & Management:

• Lead team member meetings regularly.
• Create a positive work environment and serve as a role model.
• Establish goals: performance, budget, team.
• Solicit feedback, apply an open‑door policy, and address employee concerns.
• Identify developmental needs and provide coaching and training.
• Cross‑train team skills and promote professional growth.
• Hire leadership team members with strong expertise and entrepreneurial leadership.
• Ensure fair and equitable treatment of employees.
• Hold self and team members accountable.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in Food Services Technology/Management or related field; or A.A. plus four years of directly related experience preferred.
• 5‑7 years of direct foodservice operational management experience.
• Strong knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
• Previous P&L accountability or contract‑managed service experience desirable.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, management, and coaching skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate at various levels, including management and client.
• Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting, and computational skills.
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office, e‑mail, and Internet.
• ServSafe® Certified.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Equal Opportunity

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. We encourage applicants with a criminal history to apply.

Background Screening

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/