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Dining Services Department Manager Jobs in Indiana

Cook - Full-Time

South Bend, IN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

The Cook works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that high quality, properly seasoned ... Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to management. The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

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Dining Services Department Manager information

What does a dining services department manager do?

A Dining Services Department Manager oversees the daily operations of a dining facility, such as a cafeteria, restaurant, or institutional food service. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring food safety and quality standards are met, handling budgeting and inventory, and providing excellent customer service. They also coordinate with vendors, develop menus in collaboration with chefs, and ensure compliance with health regulations. Effective managers balance administrative duties with hands-on leadership to create a positive dining experience for customers and a productive environment for employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining services department manager?

To thrive as a Dining Services Department Manager, you need expertise in food service management, budgeting, staff supervision, and compliance with health and safety regulations, often supported by a degree in hospitality or related experience. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and deliver excellent customer service. These skills ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and a positive dining experience for guests and staff alike.

What are some common challenges faced by a dining services department manager and how can they be addressed?

Dining Services Department Managers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse teams, adapting to fluctuating meal service demands, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Balancing budget constraints while maintaining food quality and customer satisfaction is also a frequent concern. Staying proactive in staff training, fostering open communication, and implementing efficient scheduling and inventory systems can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with culinary staff, suppliers, and other departments is key to maintaining smooth operations.

What is the difference between Dining Services Department Manager vs Food Service Supervisor?

AspectDining Services Department ManagerFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant experience, possibly certifications in food safety or managementFood safety certifications, experience in food service
Work EnvironmentHospital, school, or corporate dining facilities overseeing operationsKitchen or dining area, supervising staff and food service activities
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, healthcare, hospitalityRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in dining servicesSupervisory roles in food service operations

The Dining Services Department Manager typically oversees entire dining operations, focusing on management, staffing, and compliance. In contrast, the Food Service Supervisor handles daily supervision of food service staff and ensures quality service. Both roles require food safety knowledge and experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Dining Services Department Manager jobs in Indiana?

For Dining Services Department Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dining Services Department Manager jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Dining Services Department Manager jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Dining Services Department Manager jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Dining Services Department Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Dining Services Department Manager job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Dining Services Manager

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Valparaiso, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Brookdale Senior Living rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 532 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 242 rated social care providers


Job description


Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.
Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Associate assistance program
  • Employee discounts
  • Referral program
  • Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
  • Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Company provided life insurance
  • Adoption benefit
  • Disability (short and long term)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account
  • Optional life and dependent life insurance
  • Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
  • Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.
Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.
The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.
Responsibilities
Plans, manages, and coordinates activities of the dining services department at one or more locations, and provides food services for residents and employees.
  1. Develops standards for organization and supervision of dining services.
  2. Maintains quality dining services within the prescribed budget.
  3. Determines quality and quantity of food required; plans menus and controls food costs; may be scheduled to prepare meals.
  4. Oversees the food preparation and cooking, to ensure meals are prepared per company procedures.
  5. Makes frequent inspections of all work, storage, and serving areas to determine that regulations governing food safety and sanitation are followed.
  6. Prepares cleaning schedule, production worksheet and staff schedules.
  7. Maintains inventory of food and nonfood items.
  8. Selects, orients, and trains new employees in department; effectively delegates authority to dining services staff to ensure effective flow of materials and services.
  9. Develops and directs cost control system; prepares and submits department budget to director.
  10. Provides nutrition education and counseling for residents; presents dining services education program to dining services and other staff as needed.
  11. Ensures safe work procedures are developed and followed, to include those relating to employee injuries, prevention, and infection control.
  12. Ensures a continuous quality improvement program is in place and appropriate follow-up occurs.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Two to four years experience in commercial kitchen, operation and line cooking, and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements
Current ServSafe Certification required. State food service certification required, if applicable. ACF Certified Sous Chef (CSC) preferred.
Management/Decision Making
Applies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a combination of these.
Knowledge and Skills
Possesses extensive knowledge of a distinct skill or function and a thorough understanding of the organization and work environment. Has working knowledge of a functional discipline. Familiarity with Microsoft software preferred. Basic typing skills are essential. A thorough knowledge of food safety and sanitation, culinary nutrition, and supervisory management is required.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • Standing
  • Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
  • Walking
  • Sitting
  • Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
  • On-Call on an as needed basis
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Talk or hear
  • Exposure to latex
  • Ability to lift: Up to 25 pounds
  • Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
  • Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
  • Requires Travel: Occasionally
  • Vision

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.
About Us
Brookdale is a Great Place to Be:
  • Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
  • Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
  • Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
  • Industry leader in clinical care.
  • Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
  • Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.

What Brookdale Senior Living employees say

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