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Dining Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Dining Director is needed to work at Whispering Pines Senior Community in Lake City, MI. The Dining Director is responsible for providing overall leadership and management of the dining operations ...

$90 - $130/hr

Supports other community dining programs with training, coaching, quality assurance visits and ongoing mentoring. In addition to the for the Dining Service Director, also plans, organizes, develops ...

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Dining Director information

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$32.5K

$73.7K

$118K

How much do dining director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for dining director in the United States is $73,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $90,000.00 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.

More about Dining Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Dining Director jobs?

Cities with the most Dining Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Dining jobs?

The most popular types of Dining jobs are:

What states have the most Dining Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dining Director jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Dining Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Dining Director job openings in the United States 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 $73,712 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Director of Dining Services

Horizon Hospitality

Binghamton, NY • On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

A high-end senior living community is seeking an energetic, business-minded General Manager to lead daily dining and culinary operations near Binghamton, NY. This role offers an incredible opportunity to run a premier dining program like your own business, backed by a culture that actively puts its people first. Binghamton provides a clever, fast-growing innovation backdrop with tight-knit neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown dining scene, and a low cost of living, making it a fantastic place to elevate both your career and your lifestyle.

Position Responsibilities
  • Daily Operations & Culinary Leadership: Oversee all daily food production, menu writing, and execution, working closely with the Chef Manager to ensure restaurant-quality standards for daily dining and executive catering.
  • Financial & Business Management: Manage all unit accounting functions, including P&L analysis, operational forecasting, department controllable expenses, inventory management, and payroll processing.
  • Client & Vendor Relations: Maintain transparent, highly responsive relationships with the client group, building owners, and regional vendors.
  • Team Building & Development: Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing staff, cultivating a positive, collaborative team environment by leading from the front— including working alongside staff during peak times.
  • Compliance & Safety: Maintain rigid compliance with corporate standards for safety, proper food handling, sanitation, and uniform guidelines.
Position Requirements
  • 5 to 7 years of proven success as a Dining Director or Manager
  • Senior Living, CCRC, or Memory Care facility experience
  • Bachelor’s degree, Culinary School certificate/degree, or an equivalent combination of industry education and leadership experience
  • CDM Certification a plus
  • Ability to work either Saturday or Sunday weekly
  • Passion for team management, development, and mentorship
  • Strong financial acumen, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a distinct "outside-the-box" problem-solving mentality.

Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 base (commensurate with experience), 10% bonus program, comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401k with company match, life insurance, PTO, wellness perks, and much more!

Relocation assistance available

If you are a collaborative hospitality leader ready to run a premier operation with a company that values authenticity and team development, please submit your resume for confidential consideration.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted

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