Manager, Patient Food Services

StartupNWA; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (Medical, Dental, VIs)

Holidays & leave

Education discount for staff & depend

Retirement plan with employer match

Life insurance

Career training & development

Merchant discounts

Prescription delivery on site

Job summary

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences seeks a Patient Food Service Manager to lead a team delivering high-quality meals and patient service. You will oversee daily production, patient meals, and tray line operations while collaborating with managers on menu planning, cost control, and quality standards across patient and retail dining services.

You will promote food safety, supervise training, and ensure equipment is properly used and maintained to keep operations running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree plus four years in foodservice management or equivalent, or a high school diploma with eight years of experience and two years supervisory.
• Serve Safe Certification preferred or obtained within two years of hire.
• Ability to communicate well, inspire confidence, and ensure patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead patient food service operations with the Director of Nutrition Services to set goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure quality and food safety; monitor production, service, and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with annual budget for supplies, staffing hours, and equipment; explain variances.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Self‑directed

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 4 years experience

High School diploma + 8 years experience

Tools

Serve Safe Certification

Job description

Join our talent network, explore companies and search for jobs. Employment is abundant, commutes are short, and the region is filled with a sense of possibility, a place where you can have a real impact.

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Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students”. All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

Closing Date: 11/10/2026

Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Fiscal Affairs

Job Type:

Regular

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] .

Department:

OPS | NUTRI Patient Food Service

Summary of Job Duties:

As the Patient Food Service Manager, you will lead a team dedicated to delivering high-quality meals and excellent service that support the patient experience. Oversee daily food production, patient meal services, and tray line operations to ensure meals are prepared and served safely and efficiently. Partner with other managers to plan and evaluate menus, monitor food costs, and uphold quality standards across patient and retail dining services. Promote food safety and sanitation, and ensure equipment is used properly and maintained to keep operations running smoothly.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree PLUS four (4 ) years of experience in foodservice management, catering management, hospitality industry management, or equivalent experience including two (2) years supervisory experience OR High School diploma and eight (8 ) years of experience in foodservice management, catering management, hospitality industry management, or equivalent experience including two (2 ) years supervisory experience.
• Serve Safe Certification preferred or certification obtained within two (2) years of hire
• Must be able to communicate well and inspire confidence, as well as ensure excellent patient satisfaction.
• Self-directed, flexible and innovative
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• Employee must demonstrate basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registered Dietitian or Certified Dietary Manager preferred.
• Prefer someone with significant experience in a hospital food service department in a management role.

What You Will Be Doing: Responsibilities:

• Lead patient food service operations: Partner with the Director of Nutrition Services to establish goals, policies, and procedures. Put plans into action and monitor progress to ensure goals are met or exceeded.
• Ensure quality and food safety: Maintain clean, organized food production and patient service areas. Oversee taste and temperature checks and patient tray reviews. Ensure equipment is maintained and staff are trained to use it properly.
• Support budget planning and oversight: Assist with the annual budget for supplies, staffing hours, and equipment. Monitor spending, address differences from the budget, and provide supporting explanations.
• Drive continuous improvement: Help prepare the annual report highlighting accomplishments and progress toward departmental goals. Recommend priorities and related budget needs for the coming year.
• Maintain regulatory compliance: Ensure operations meet Joint Commission requirements, other regulatory standards, and applicable state policies. Inspect facilities and staff hygiene, identify concerns, and coordinate corrective action with the Director.
• Manage inventory and supplies: Maintain accurate equipment and supply records, complete and document routine inventories, and ensure adequate stock levels to support daily operations.
• Develop and support your team: Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff. Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular appraisals and coaching, and offer ongoing training that supports accountability and professional growth.
• Track performance and report results: Maintain records of work volume, quality, and timeliness. Submit regular departmental activity reports to the Vice Chancellor and prepare special reports for projects and other assignments.

Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply: Resume

Optional Documents: Proof of Veteran Status

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Please contact [e-mail] for any recruiting related questions.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Annual TB Screening, Criminal Background Check, Substance Abuse Testing

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Constant Physical Activity:

Standing, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Crawling, Crouching, Stooping

Occasional Physical Activity:

Sitting

Benefits Eligible:

Yes