Dining Services Director Jobs

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.

What Does a Dining Services Director Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Where Dining Services Directors Work

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.

Explore Dining Services Director Careers

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.

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Dining Services Director Jobs

Average Salary: $97,229

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Top companies hiring for Dining Services Director

Compass Aramark AVI Foodsystems Oakmont Senior Living Schwan Food Co U.S. Department of Health & Human Services PACS Whitsons Culinary Group Aegis Living Veterans Affairs NYU Langone Health Fooda Atrium Hospitality LP Atria Senior Living Sunrise Senior Living, Inc

Top similar job titles to Dining Services Director

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Top cities hiring for Dining Services Director

New York, NY jobs Chicago, IL jobs Washington, DC jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Los Angeles, CA jobs Philadelphia, PA jobs Boston, MA jobs Atlanta, GA jobs Denver, CO jobs Seattle, WA jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.