Job Summary

The Director of Food and Nutrition will direct the operation of the kitchen and dining rooms to provide nutritious, well-prepared food for residents and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate all dietary activities in the facilities, acting through the Food and Nutrition Supervisor, Cooks, and Food and Nutrition Assistants.
  • Survey of food preparation and distribution for safe practices ensuring variety, adequate seasoning, visual appeal, proper temperature, and appropriate portion sizes.
  • Assure nutritious appetizing meals, snacks and supplements are planned, prepared, and served in a pleasant manner.
  • Handle complaints and resolve problems.
  • Draft and implement operating budget; perform reasonable predictive forecasting of expected meal services based on applicable headcounts for residents.
  • Provide high-quality food at the most economical price.
  • Receive constructive ideas and suggestions from residents and their families.
  • Attend meetings.
  • Responsible for the hiring, disciplining, and dismissing of food and nutrition staff.
  • Attend in-service educational programs.
  • Follow defined safety codes while performing duties.
  • Follow defined infection control procedures.
  • Be knowledgeable of federal, state and North Star Manor’s rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Perform other department duties or special assignments as directed by the administrator.

Education Experience:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in the field of dietetics with courses in food preparation and service.
  • 2-3 years of experience in a related field of dietary work.

Licensure Certification:

  • Serv-Safe Certification
  • Food Manager Certificate
  • Certified Dietary Manager – or the ability to obtain this certification in the first 24 months of hire

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Working knowledge of food service and nutritional guidelines and best practices.
  • Ability to accept constructive feedback and to work collaboratively with Interdisciplinary Team to identify and facilitate needed improvements to the food service program.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software as needed to draft reports, inventory, and budgets.
  • Basic understanding of, or ability to learn, sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
  • Basic understanding of, or ability to learn, food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Must be able to work well as part of a team.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect to residents and coworkers.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Visual and auditory ability to observe the daily living needs of the residents in order to provide quality care.
  • Effective problem-solving skills to support residents, staff, and family members with problems that might arise.
  • Ability to prioritize residents’ needs.