Food Service Manager

Aventura Health Group; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aventura Health Group is seeking a Dietary Manager to oversee food service in a long-term care setting. You will lead kitchen staff, develop compliant menus with a Registered Dietitian, and ensure safety, sanitation, and regulatory adherence.

The role requires strong leadership, clinical nutrition knowledge, and expertise in therapeutic diets. Candidates should have a CDM or state-regulated equivalent, and prior healthcare experience is preferred.

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 are accurately prepared and served.
• Review resident diet orders regularly and update as needed.
• Participate in care plan meetings to address residents' nutritional needs.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations (CMS, OSHA, health department).
• Maintain 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 (HACCP, ServSafe).

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Organizational skills

Budgeting / cost control

Food safety

Infection control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in nutrition, food service, or hospitality

Tools

Inventory management

Scheduling

Food production planning

Job description

Position Summary

The Dietary Manager 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