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.
Regional Director of Dental Operations Maryland
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in enhancing operational performance across dental practices in the Mid-Atlantic region. Collaborate with teams to implement strategies, support growth, and ensure effective management...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading communications strategy to enhance brand narrative, drive awareness and loyalty, and engage diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment that supports food waste reduct...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Project Manager, Client Services
$80K - $95K *
Transform eDiscovery management by driving operational excellence, ensuring timely project delivery, and enhancing workflow efficiency. Collaborate with stakeholders to uphold quality standards and fo...
1 week ago
Director, Operations, International Franchise Services
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in enhancing operational excellence across multiple sites, fostering strong relationships with franchisees. Guide and develop a team of consultants, ensuring adherence to quality stand...
3 weeks ago
$354K - $416K *
Elevate your career as a Medical Director, overseeing utilization management with a focus on clinical excellence and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high standards of ca...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director of Sales, National Accounts
$120K - $150K *
Champion strategic national accounts by leveraging multifamily expertise to drive revenue growth. Build relationships with C-suite leaders and institutional owners, developing tailored solutions that...
6 days ago
Associate Director of Development
$81K - $86K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building strong donor relationships and implementing effective fundraising strategies. You'll manage a portfolio of prospects, engage with diverse stakeholders, and dri...
1 week ago
Associate Director of Development
$114K - $132K *
Pioneer strategic fundraising initiatives that cultivate donor relationships and secure six and seven-figure gifts. Collaborate across teams to enhance organizational impact and utilize donor insights...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Regional Sales Manager - Private Dining & Events | Boston
$80K - $90K *
Champion growth by driving revenue through business development and event promotions. Build strategic relationships with corporate and hospitality sectors to position premier dining venues as top choi...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $160K *
Lead comprehensive EHS initiatives across multiple departments, ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering a culture of safety. Drive audits, training, and policy development to enhance enviro...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $122K *
Unlock your potential as you lead financial planning, analytics, and strategic initiatives. Collaborate closely with executives to drive performance improvements and optimize resource allocation, fost...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Business Growth - Sysco Brands
$136K - $227K *
Engage in strategic growth initiatives by analyzing market opportunities and driving the execution of Sysco’s Own Brand portfolio strategies. Collaborate across teams to shape and implement impactful...
Reposted 3 days ago
Director of Business Operations
$125K - $150K *
Transform business operations by leading systems and technology initiatives that enhance efficiency, drive AI enablement, and streamline processes across the organization, ensuring a robust foundation...
1 week ago
Director of Insurance Plan Management
$120K - $150K *
Transform the landscape of dental negotiations by leading strategic partnerships with payers, optimizing contracts, and driving revenue growth through data-driven insights and collaborative execution...
6 days ago
Director of Rooms , Remote Camp
$80K - $90K *
Lead the management of housekeeping and front desk operations, ensuring profitability and compliance. Drive operational improvements, train staff, and maintain high safety standards while overseeing s...
1 week ago
$105K - $112K *
Drive the success of a dynamic SDR team by shaping outbound sales strategies, mentoring talent, and optimizing lead generation processes. Collaborate with leadership to build a high-performing team th...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director of Sales - Drive-Thru, Americas
$160K - $200K *
Champion growth by leading enterprise sales initiatives in the QSR sector. Drive strategic account development, build executive relationships, and convert opportunities into recurring revenue while es...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate regional commercialization of innovative cell therapies by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing customer engagement, and ensuring optimal patient access while collaborating cross-functi...
6 days ago
Vice President, Sales - Restaurants
$180K - $220K *
Elevate our sales strategy and execution in the restaurant sector. Drive revenue growth, lead a high-performing team, and implement transformative initiatives to enhance customer experience and operat...
2 days ago
Senior Director, Restaurant Sales and Services
$190K - $210K *
Accelerate progress at our US Growth unit by leading restaurant sales and optimizing technology-driven strategies. Empower a diverse team and drive revenue growth while representing the organization a...
3 weeks ago
District Sales Manager - Food and Beverage- North or South Carolina
$80K - $95K *
Engage with clients to drive sales growth in the Carolinas, leveraging your expertise in relationship building and problem-solving. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions and enhance cus...
1 week ago
$104K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving project success in mission-critical environments. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee design and construction phases, manage stakeholder relations, and ensure project profi...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Champion social strategy and community engagement, driving impactful growth across multiple channels. Lead a dynamic team to create culturally relevant content, leveraging AI for efficiency and innova...
1 week ago
$197K - $257K *
Drive your career forward as a strategic People leader, aligning talent strategies with business goals, coaching executives, and fostering organizational effectiveness for impactful growth and develop...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $125K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through strategic vendor management and operational excellence. Lead initiatives that drive performance, compliance, and continuous im...
3 days 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.