Director of Food & Nutrition

Cottage Hospital

$75K — $95K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Experience in food service or nutrition services leadership, preferably in a healthcare setting
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards (CMS, state, and federal)
  • Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Ability to balance clinical nutrition priorities with operational and financial performance
  • CDM Certification required within 6 months to 1 year of hire
  • Must have Safe Serve certification

Responsibilities

  • Lead all food service operations, including planning, procurement, preparation, and service
  • Ensure compliance with all state, local, federal, and CMS regulations, as well as hospital safety and sanitation standards
  • Develop and manage departmental policies, procedures, and performance goals
  • Plan and oversee regular and therapeutic menus for patients, along with staff meals and special events
  • Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate dietary staff to support a high-performing team
  • Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and budget to ensure operational efficiency
  • Collaborate with clinical and leadership teams to align nutrition services with patient care needs

Benefits

  • Leadership opportunity in a mission-driven organization
  • Ability to impact patient healing and experience
  • Promotion of teamwork through collaboration with clinical teams
  • Focus on continuous improvement and quality assurance
  • Hands-on operational support for departmental goals
Full Job Description
Director of Food Services to lead all aspects of our Food and Nutrition Services Department. This role is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centered meal services while ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards and hospital policies.

As a key leader within the organization, the Director will oversee daily operations, staff management, budgeting, and strategic planning-while fostering strong collaboration with clinical teams and hospital leadership.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead all food service operations, including planning, procurement, preparation, and service
  • Ensure compliance with all state, local, federal, and CMS regulations, as well as hospital safety and sanitation standards
  • Develop and manage departmental policies, procedures, and performance goals
  • Plan and oversee regular and therapeutic menus for patients, along with staff meals and special events
  • Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate dietary staff to support a high-performing team
  • Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and budget to ensure operational efficiency
  • Collaborate with clinical and leadership teams to align nutrition services with patient care needs
  • Lead quality assurance, safety initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
  • Provide hands-on operational support as needed to meet departmental goals

Qualifications:
  • Experience in food service or nutrition services leadership, preferably in a healthcare setting
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards (CMS, state, and federal)
  • Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Ability to balance clinical nutrition priorities with operational and financial performance
  • CDM Certification required within 6 months to 1yr of hire
  • Must have Safe Serve certification

This is an opportunity to lead with purpose-ensuring that nutrition services support healing, enhance patient experience, and contribute to the overall success of the hospital.

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