Food Service Director-CDM

Aventura Healthcare Group; Walton Hills (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aventura Healthcare Group is seeking a Food Service Director-CDM to lead dietary operations in a long-term care setting. You will supervise kitchen staff, plan menus with a Registered Dietitian, and ensure therapeutic diets are correctly prepared and served.

Responsibilities include staff training, performance evaluations, cost control, inventory management, and strict adherence to food safety and regulatory standards. Strong leadership and dietary knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• CDM preferred or required depending on state regulations
• High school diploma or equivalent; degree in nutrition, food service, or hospitality preferred
• Minimum 2 years of experience in food service management, healthcare setting
• Strong knowledge of clinical nutrition, therapeutic diets, and food safety standards
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• ServSafe certification preferred or required, depending on state regulations
• Proficient in inventory management, scheduling, and food production planning

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise dietary staff.
• Conduct staff meetings, in-service training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure kitchen and dining areas are staffed appropriately for all shifts.
• Foster a positive and cooperative work environment.
• Develop and implement menus with a Registered Dietitian and in accordance with physician orders and resident preferences.
• Ensure therapeutic diets are accurately prepared and served.
• Review resident diet orders regularly and update as needed.
• Participate in care plan meetings to address nutritional needs.
• Oversee the preparation, portioning, and presentation of nutritious, timely meals.
• Ensure meals meet food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards.
• Monitor food inventory and place orders to maintain supply.
• Minimize food waste and control costs within budget guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations (CMS, OSHA, health dept).
• Maintain documentation such as temperature logs and cleaning schedules.
• Prepare for and participate in surveys and inspections.
• Implement HACCP/ServSafe policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Inventory management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in nutrition/food service or hospitality

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Position Summary:

The Food Service Director-CDM oversees all aspects of food service operations in a long-term care or skilled nursing facility. This includes managing kitchen staff, developing menus in compliance with nutritional guidelines and medical orders, ensuring food safety and sanitation, and supporting residents’ dietary needs and preferences.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise dietary staff (cooks, aides, servers).
• Conduct regular staff meetings, in-service training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure kitchen and dining areas are staffed appropriately for all shifts.
• Foster a positive and cooperative work environment.

Menu Planning & Nutrition

• Develop and implement menus in coordination with a Registered Dietitian and in accordance with physician orders, resident preferences, and nutritional guidelines.
• Ensure all therapeutic diets (e.g., diabetic, renal, puree, mechanical soft) are accurately prepared and served.
• Review resident diet orders regularly and make updates as needed.
• Participate in care plan meetings as necessary to address residents' nutritional needs.

Food Preparation & Service

• Oversee the preparation, portioning, and presentation of meals that are nutritious, palatable, and timely.
• Ensure meals meet food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards.
• Monitor food inventory and place orders to ensure adequate supply.
• Minimize food waste and control costs within budget guidelines.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations (including CMS, OSHA, and health department standards).
• Maintain proper documentation including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and resident diet lists.
• Prepare for and participate in surveys and inspections.
• Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation policies (e.g., HACCP, ServSafe).

Qualifications

• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) through ANFP preferred or required based on state regulations
• High school diploma or equivalent (required); degree in nutrition, food service, or hospitality (preferred)
• Minimum 2 years of experience in food service management, preferably in a healthcare or long-term care setting
• Strong knowledge of clinical nutrition, therapeutic diets, and food safety standards
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• ServSafe certification (preferred or required, depending on state regulations)
• Proficient in inventory management, scheduling, and food production planning

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Standing, walking, bending, and lifting for extended periods
• Tolerance for hot or cold work environments (e.g., ovens, refrigerators, dish room)

Schedule

• Typically Monday-Friday
• Must be available for some weekends, holidays, and on-call support as needed