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Dining Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Director Dining Services

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Director of Dining Services is the strategic business leader of the community's food and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a consistently high ...

Director Dining Services

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Director of Dining Services is the strategic business leader of the community's food and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a consistently high ...

Director Dining Services

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Director of Dining Services is the strategic business leader of the community's food and beverage/culinary operation ensuring resident and client satisfaction by providing a consistently high ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dining Director information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$73.1K

$117K

How much do dining director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for dining director in Virginia is $73,080.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $89,200.00 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Dining jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Dining Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Dining Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Dining Director job openings in Virginia 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 $73,080 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Dining Services Director

Sunrise Senior Living

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Why Join Sunrise Senior Living
At Sunrise Senior Living, we believe meaningful work starts with purpose. Our team members are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of residents every day.
As a Dining Services Director, you provide strategic leadership and oversight of the community's dining and hospitality operations-ensuring exceptional service, culinary quality, and resident satisfaction.
What You'll Do:
โ€ข Lead and manage all dining operations, including kitchen and front-of-house teams
โ€ข Ensure high-quality food preparation aligned with Sunrise culinary standards
โ€ข Oversee dietary modifications and regulatory compliance (HACCP, OSHA)
โ€ข Manage food, labor, and department budgets
โ€ข Maintain inventory, vendor relationships, and procurement processes
โ€ข Engage with residents for feedback and participate in Resident Council meetings
โ€ข Support special events and community marketing initiatives
โ€ข Supervise Dining Services Coordinators and/or Executive Chef (as applicable)
โ€ข Ensure accurate production, sanitation, and temperature records
You serve as the department leader-driving operational excellence while delivering a welcoming and consistent dining experience.
What We're Looking For:
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, or related field
โ€ข 4-5 years supervisory hospitality or fine dining experience
โ€ข 5+ years volume cooking experience (or equivalent leadership experience)
โ€ข Current ServSafe certification
โ€ข Experience managing food and labor budgets
โ€ข Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
โ€ข Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
Dining Services Director - Lead Culinary Programs Across Communities
Dining Services Director | Culinary Leadership | Senior Living Dining
Pay Range:
60,840.00 - 81,224.00
Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals - at work and in your life.
We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plans
  • Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
  • Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
  • myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee's position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
  • Some benefits have eligibility requirements

Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Workยฎ
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sunrise Senior Living is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.