Dining Services Directors lead food service operations and shape the dining experience across settings such as hospitals, senior living communities, universities, corporate campuses, hotels, and other hospitality organizations. They oversee teams, budgets, service standards, and day-to-day operations while ensuring meals are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with the needs of the people they serve. Explore Dining Services Director opportunities on Ladders, including vetted professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by employer, but typically include managing dining and catering operations, developing budgets, monitoring costs, hiring and coaching staff, and setting service and quality standards. Directors may coordinate menu planning, purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, food safety practices, and customer feedback. In healthcare and senior living, they may also collaborate with clinical and nutrition teams to support residents’ or patients’ dietary needs.
Employers commonly seek leaders with experience in food service, hospitality, institutional dining, or multi-site operations. Valuable strengths include team leadership, financial and operational planning, communication, customer service, and knowledge of food safety requirements. Some positions may prefer a degree in hospitality, food service management, business, or a related field, along with relevant certifications or experience in a regulated setting.
Dining Services Directors can find opportunities in healthcare systems, assisted living and senior care, colleges and universities, schools, hotels, resorts, corporate dining, and contract food service companies. The scope of the role depends on the organization: some directors manage one location, while others oversee multiple sites, large teams, or broad regional operations.
Find leadership roles that align with your experience, preferred work setting, and career goals. Browse Dining Services Director jobs on Ladders to discover vetted opportunities paying $100,000 or more and take the next step in your food service or hospitality career.
VP of Business Development & Retention Higher Education Dining Services East
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Explore strategic business development opportunities to foster client retention and new client acquisition. Utilize your sales expertise to create innovative strategies and deliver impactful presentat...
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Drive district sales growth by leading and coaching a team of Sales Representatives. Focus on customer retention, account penetration, and executing commercial priorities while translating regional st...
1 week ago
$90K *
Empower a culinary team to deliver exceptional food service in a healthcare setting. Lead menu development, ensure quality control, and foster a collaborative environment while enhancing patient satis...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform logistics operations by leading a team of over 100 drivers, enhancing customer service, and driving strategic efficiency in transportation management and warehouse operations...
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Shape the future of health and wellness by providing clinical leadership, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving quality improvement across communities to enhance resident-centered care and outco...
2 weeks ago
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Join a dynamic team to drive client relationships and deliver tailored financial solutions. Lead business development strategies, oversee credit underwriting, and foster collaboration across departmen...
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$110K - $147K *
Shape the future of food safety management by leading strategy and standards across operations. Collaborate with leadership to enhance compliance, performance, and risk management in the NYC region, e...
4 weeks ago
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
$90K - $100K *
Discover a rewarding opportunity to drive strategic growth and new business development in the Food Distribution sector. Use your expertise to lead initiatives, foster key partnerships, and achieve re...
1 month ago
$165K - $185K *
Unlock your potential by leading integrated facilities management for a pharmaceutical portfolio. Drive operational excellence, manage budgets, and foster strong client relationships while overseeing...
4 days ago
$107K - $119K *
Accelerate progress at expanding our food service customer base by developing key relationships and executing strategic sales initiatives across a multi-state territory, driving growth and enhancing b...
1 week ago
$87K - $108K *
Champion growth in the food service sector by developing key customer relationships and executing strategic sales initiatives across a multi-state territory. Drive business development and enhance cus...
1 week ago
Director of Revenue Management
$100K - $120K *
Empower your career by leading revenue strategies to maximize profitability and optimize market positioning in a dynamic hospitality environment. Collaborate with hotel leadership to drive data-driven...
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Operations Director - Remote Camps/Hospitality
$100K - $120K *
Lead high-performing teams in managing remote camp operations and contracts, ensuring service excellence, safety compliance, and profitability. Drive operational efficiency and build strong client rel...
4 weeks ago
Associate Director, Technical Services - Meals & Beverages
$140K - $193K *
Champion innovation by leading technical capability programs that enhance product quality, streamline processes, and drive consumer satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure succ...
3 days ago
Regional Director Health & Wellness- PA & Northeast
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing health and wellness across communities. You'll lead clinical initiatives, ensure compliance, and drive quality improvements while collaborating with community...
2 weeks ago
Director of Finance - Ancillary Services
$100K - $115K *
Transform your career by leading financial strategy and operations for innovative service lines. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance profitability, oversee budgeting, and drive growth initiativ...
1 week ago
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Drive organizational success by leading HR initiatives, fostering team growth, ensuring compliance, and enhancing employee relations. Collaborate with leadership to develop strategies that align with...
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Supervisor, Social & Community Service
$104K - $137K *
Join a team dedicated to enhancing community well-being by supervising social services, fostering collaboration, and developing workflows to empower team members and improve service delivery for diver...
3 weeks ago
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Transform restaurant facilities management by leading projects, overseeing maintenance, and ensuring operational excellence. Collaborate with teams to enhance safety, efficiency, and guest experience...
2 days ago
Director, Client Growth (70309772)
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Engage with strategic clients to drive retention, renewals, and growth. This role requires building executive relationships and managing a portfolio through collaboration with various teams to deliver...
3 weeks ago
Division Director, Operations Specialist
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at a dynamic community by leading business development, enhancing resident services, and ensuring compliance. Drive sales strategies, foster relationships, and manage operations fo...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform talent acquisition by leading strategic initiatives that foster growth. Develop and optimize recruitment processes while creating a culture of inclusion and innovation to attract top talent...
Reposted 1 week ago
Area Manager, Food and Beverage (Ontario)
$84K - $112K *
Join a team that's poised to elevate sales success through leadership, guidance, and strategic collaboration. Drive business growth by enhancing team performance, managing customer relationships, and...
Reposted 6 days ago
Director, Franchise Performance - South & Central FL
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in enhancing franchise performance and profitability across multiple territories. Drive strategic initiatives, manage complex relationships, and develop high-performing teams to achiev...
2 weeks ago
What does a Dining Services Director do?
A Dining Services Director oversees food service operations, including staff, budgets, service quality, purchasing, and food safety. Depending on the workplace, the role may also involve menu planning, catering, and coordination with nutrition or clinical teams.
Where do Dining Services Directors work?
They work in settings such as hospitals, senior living communities, universities, schools, hotels, resorts, corporate dining programs, and contract food service organizations.
What qualifications are typically required for Dining Services Director jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers often look for leadership experience in food service or hospitality, operational and budget management skills, and familiarity with food safety standards. Some roles prefer a related degree or professional certifications.
How much do Dining Services Directors earn?
Compensation varies based on location, organization, scope of responsibility, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review individual listings for salary and benefits details.
What skills are important for a Dining Services Director?
Important skills include team leadership, budgeting, operational planning, vendor and inventory management, customer service, communication, and maintaining food quality and safety.