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Dining Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Legacy Village

Dining Services Director

Cleveland, TN · On-site

Are you a passionate and experienced culinary leader who finds joy in serving others? We're looking for a Dining Services Director to lead our kitchen operations in a vibrant assisted living and ...

HutsonWood, Inc.

Server

Maryville, TN · On-site

Help residents with needs such as carrying trays or retrieving items. • Communicate resident feedback or concerns to the Dining Director or Cook. • Participate in required meetings and training ...

Opus East Memphis

Cook

Memphis, TN

$19 - $21/hr

Work closely with the Dining Director to ensure smooth meal service and kitchen operations * Help create a warm, welcoming dining experience for our residents every day We'd love to meet you if you ...

The Holmstad

$14.44 - $18.80/hr

The Dining Services Server will perform serving, cleaning, hospitality, and waiting / bussing ... May also prepare salads and desserts as directed. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist in food ...

The Holmstad

$14.44 - $18.80/hr

The Dining Services Server will perform serving, cleaning, hospitality, and waiting / bussing ... May also prepare salads and desserts as directed. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist in food ...

Covenant Living

Dining Server

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.44 - $18.80/hr

The Dining Services Server will perform serving, cleaning, hospitality, and waiting / bussing ... May also prepare salads and desserts as directed. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist in food ...

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Dining Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$29.5K

$66.9K

$107.1K

How much do dining director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for dining director in Tennessee is $66,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $81,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dining director do?

A Dining Director oversees the daily operations of dining services in facilities such as restaurants, hotels, senior living communities, or schools. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, budgeting, menu planning, and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. They also coordinate with vendors, handle customer feedback, and ensure compliance with health and nutrition regulations. Effective Dining Directors have strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to provide excellent dining experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining director?

A Dining Director should possess strong leadership abilities, food service management experience, and typically a degree in hospitality or culinary arts. Familiarity with food safety regulations, inventory management systems, and budgeting software is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate staff are crucial for excelling in this role. These skills ensure efficient dining operations, high customer satisfaction, and compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges a dining director faces when managing a large dining operation?

A Dining Director often navigates challenges such as balancing budget constraints with maintaining high-quality food and service, coordinating schedules for a diverse team, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, adapting menus to meet changing dietary needs and preferences while maintaining operational efficiency can be demanding. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to respond quickly to unexpected issues, like supply shortages or staff absences, are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Dining Director vs Food Service Manager?

AspectDining DirectorFood Service Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in hospitality, management, or related field; certifications like ServSafe are commonOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like ServSafe are also common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple dining locations or large-scale food service operations, often in institutions or hospitality settingsManages daily operations within a single restaurant, cafeteria, or food service unit
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in hospitality, healthcare, and large institutional settingsCommon in restaurants, cafeterias, and smaller food service operations

The main difference between a Dining Director and a Food Service Manager lies in scope and setting. Dining Directors typically oversee multiple locations or large-scale operations, requiring broader management skills and often higher credentials. Food Service Managers focus on daily operations within a single establishment. Both roles require food safety certifications and management experience, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dining jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Dining jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Dining Director jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Dining Director jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Dining Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Dining Director job openings:

Dining Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dining Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,902 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Chef Manager / Dining Director - Memphis, TN

Compass Group

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 496 rated business services

Job description

Other Forms of Compensation: Yearly Bonus Opportunity
Growth. Opportunity. Excellence.
Canteen brings break time to everyone. We combine food, service, and experience backed by industry-leading technology to help companies create a better workplace and connect their employees. Canteen's solutions include markets, office coffee and snacks, unattended retail, and culinary.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, collaboration, and passion fuel our growth. Interested in joining our team? You bring the enthusiasm, customer service, and commitment; we'll supply the opportunity and innovation. Together, we'll continue to transform our industry.
Come grow with us. We are Canteen.
Job Summary
Join a team where culinary excellence meets innovation.
We're seeking a forward-thinking, hospitality-driven Chef Manager/Dining Director to lead our corporate café program. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate culinary leader to deliver exceptional dining experiences while driving operational excellence, including the creation of globally inspired, international, and multicultural cuisine offerings that reflect a diverse and dynamic workplace.
What You'll Do
• Lead all aspects of the culinary and café operation, delivering a seamless, elevated guest experience
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and receiving with precision and efficiency
• Create and execute seasonally inspired, chef-driven menus with a focus on quality and presentation
• Drive financial performance, managing food cost, purchasing, and P&L accountability
• Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing, with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients
• Design and execute innovative catering experiences for executive meetings and corporate events
• Inspire, mentor, and develop your team to consistently deliver best-in-class food and service
What You Bring
• 5+ years of culinary management experience in contract dining, fine dining, or high-volume upscale environments
• Experience with international or multicultural cuisine preferred
• Deep knowledge of culinary trends, workplace dining, and premium catering execution
• Proven success in cost control, inventory management, and operational leadership
• Experience with exhibition-style cooking and engaging guests through culinary storytelling
• Strong understanding of HACCP standards and food safety practices
• Experience managing P&L in a contract dining environment (preferred)
• ServSafe certification required
• A genuine passion for sustainability, innovation, and high-quality ingredients
Why Join Us
Be part of a growing, dynamic culinary program where creativity is encouraged, quality is never compromised, and your leadership directly shapes the daily experience of a vibrant corporate community.
Apply to Canteen today!
Canteen is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Canteen maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Canteenare offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Canteen.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1542982
Canteen
Leticia Pinon

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