Food Service Director

Water's Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan (10% DC)

Training & mentorship

Professional growth

Supportive team environment

Make a difference in residents' lives

Job summary

Water's Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation in Middletown, CT, seeks a Food Service Director to lead the dining program for aging residents. You will oversee menu planning, preparation, service, and staff management while maintaining health-code compliance and dietary guidelines.

The ideal candidate has proven food-service leadership, CDM/RD desirability, ServSafe certification, strong communication, and a compassionate approach to elder care.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food service management, preferably in long-term care or senior living.
• Strong leadership, organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of dietary guidelines and therapeutic diets for elderly.
• Proficiency in food safety and sanitation practices (e.g., ServSafe).
• Compassionate and empathetic with patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the food service program, including menu planning, food preparation, service delivery and staff management.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local health codes and dietary standards.
• Collaborate with residents, families, and healthcare teams to accommodate dietary needs and preferences.
• Recruit, train, and supervise culinary and service staff; foster teamwork and excellence.
• Oversee budgets, control costs, and manage inventory to optimize resources.
• Introduce creative menu options and dining experiences to enhance resident satisfaction.

Skills

Food service management

Leadership

Dietary guidelines

Food safety & sanitation

Communication

Empathy & compassion

Staff development

Education

CDM or RD certification desirable

Job description

A Great Place to Work

Water's Edge is a proud affiliate of National Health Care Associates. As a Certified Great Place to Work, we think that you are going to love it here. Your work will be meaningful to you. You will make a genuine difference in the lives of our aging guests and the families that love them. You will enjoy lasting bonds with the families you meet and with the teams you work on. And if you desire, you will experience real career growth where your expertise and dedication is valued and appreciated. We invite you to join our team!

Location: 111 Church Street, Middletown, Connecticut, 06457

What You'll Do:

As a Food Service Director, you will ensure that our residents enjoy delicious, nutritious meals prepared with care while adhering to strict health and safety standards. This role requires a combination of leadership, creativity, and a commitment to excellence in service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of the food service program, including menu planning, food preparation, service delivery, and staff management
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including dietary standards and health codes
• Collaborate with residents, families, and healthcare teams to accommodate dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions
• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of culinary and service professionals, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence
• Oversee food service budgets, control costs, and manage inventory to optimize resources without compromising quality
• Introduce creative menu options and dining experiences to enhance resident satisfaction and engagement

If you are a culinary professional who thrives on making a difference in people's lives through the power of food in an environment where compassion, care, and your culinary expertise come together, we invite you to join our team as a Food Service Director!

What We Offer

As an affiliate of National Health Care, our Water's Edge team enjoys:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package including a 10% defined contribution retirement plan
• Comprehensive training and mentorship
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents

What You'll Bring:

Qualifications of a Food Service Director include:

• Proven experience in food service management, preferably in long-term care, healthcare, or senior living
• Certification as a Dietary Manager (CDM), Registered Dietitian (RD), or equivalent is highly desirable
• Knowledge of dietary guidelines, including therapeutic diets and nutritional needs for elderly populations
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the dedication to upholding high standards of quality and service
• Proficiency in food safety and sanitation practices (e.g., ServSafe certification)
• Compassionate and empathetic nature including experience working with customers or patient families
• Interest in the nutrition and healthcare needs of the aged and the chronically ill with the ability to work with both

We Hire for Heart!

National Health Care Associates (National) is proud to be a family-run organization since 1984. Like family, each of National’s centers are unique but share common values:Kindness, Service, Compassion and Excellence. Today, our centers include more than 40 premier providers of short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and post-hospital care including several named “Best Of” by US News & World Report. When you join the team at a National center, you join a team that provides life-changing care to thousands of patients, residents, and families in a Great Place to Work Certified environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.