Food Service Director

Laurel Ridge Center for Health & Rehabilitation; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as a Food Service Director at the Laurel Ridge Center for Health & Rehabilitation. You will manage a food service program that enhances the quality of life for residents by ensuring they receive delicious, nutritious meals in a compassionate and compliant environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Improved health insurance and retirement benefits including a 10% defined contribution retirement plan

Comprehensive training and mentorship

Support for professional growth and development

A collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food service management, ideally in healthcare or senior living.
• Knowledge of dietary guidelines and nutritional needs for elderly populations.
• Experience with food safety and sanitation, e.g., ServSafe certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the food service program including menu planning and staff management.
• Ensure compliance with dietary standards and health codes.
• Collaborate with residents and healthcare teams to meet dietary needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Food Safety Practices

Education

Certification as a Dietary Manager (CDM) or Registered Dietitian (RD)

Job description

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A Great Place to Work

National Health Care Associates is proud to welcome the Laurel Ridge Center for Health & Rehabilitation to our affiliate family!

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 those that love them. You will enjoy lasting bonds with the families you meet and with the teams you work on. And as National grows with the acquisition of Laurel Ridge, you will experience real career growth in an environment where your expertise and dedication is valued and appreciated.

We invite you to join our newest team at the Laurel Ridge Center for Health & Rehabilitation!

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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!

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What We Offer

As an affiliate of National Health Care, our Laurel Ridge family will enjoy:

• Competitive compensation
• Improved health insurance and retirement benefits including a 10% defined contribution retirement plan
• Comprehensive training and mentorship
• Support for professional growth and development
• A collaborative work environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents

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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

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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.