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Dining Services Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Dining Services Director information

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$32.5K

$73.7K

$118K

How much do dining services director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for dining services 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dining Services Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dining Services Director, you need expertise in food service management, budgeting, menu planning, and often a degree in hospitality or culinary arts. Familiarity with food safety regulations, inventory management systems, and staff scheduling software is typically required. Leadership, customer service orientation, and strong organizational skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, high-quality dining experiences, and compliance with health standards in a fast-paced environment.

What Does a Director of Dining Services Do?

A director of dining services oversees the daily and long-term operations of a dining or food service facility. This job is common in large-scale food operations, such as hospital, residential, or school cafeterias, large catering services, and community outreach programs such as soup kitchens or meals on wheels for seniors. As a director of dining services, your responsibilities include administrative and managerial tasks. You hire and train new kitchen staff and other employees, schedule delivery services to residents or institutional customers, oversee purchasing orders, and direct other workers as needed.

What are some common challenges faced by a Dining Services Director and how can they be effectively managed?

Dining Services Directors often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality, managing diverse teams, and balancing budget constraints while meeting the needs of residents or customers. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, proactive communication with both staff and clients, and the ability to adapt menus or operations based on feedback and regulatory requirements. Building a collaborative team environment and investing in staff training can help address these challenges and ensure smooth daily operations.

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

AspectDining Services DirectorFood Service Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in hospitality, food service, 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 facilities, often in large institutions like hospitals, universities, or corporate campusesManages daily operations of a specific food service location, such as a restaurant or cafeteria
Employer & IndustryEmployers include healthcare, education, and corporate sectors; industry focus on large-scale food service management

The Dining Services Director and Food Service Manager roles both involve overseeing food operations, but the director typically manages multiple locations or departments, requiring broader strategic planning, while the manager focuses on daily operations at a single site. The director position often demands higher credentials and experience, reflecting its leadership scope.

What does a Dining Services Director do?

A Dining Services Director oversees the operations of food service facilities, such as those in schools, hospitals, senior living communities, or large organizations. Their responsibilities include managing staff, planning menus, ensuring food safety and quality, budgeting, and maintaining compliance with health regulations. They also work to enhance customer satisfaction and may be involved in hiring, training, and supervising kitchen and dining room employees. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
What cities are hiring for Dining Services Director jobs? Cities with the most Dining Services Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dining Services jobs? The most popular types of Dining Services jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Dining Services Director jobs? The top employers for Dining Services Director jobs are:
What states have the most Dining Services Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Dining Services Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dining Services Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $73,712 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Dining Services Director

Sunriseseniorliving

Highland Park, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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: Lead and manage all dining operations, including kitchen and front-of-house teams Ensure high-quality food preparation aligned with Sunrise culinary standards Oversee dietary modifications and regulatory compliance (HACCP, OSHA) Manage food, labor, and department budgets Maintain inventory, vendor relationships, and procurement processes Engage with residents for feedback and participate in Resident Council meetings Support special events and community marketing initiatives Supervise Dining Services Coordinators and/or Executive Chef (as applicable) Ensure accurate production, sanitation, and temperature recordsYou serve as the department leader-driving operational excellence while delivering a welcoming and consistent dining experience.What We're Looking For: Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, or related field 4-5 years supervisory hospitality or fine dining experience 5+ years volume cooking experience (or equivalent leadership experience) Current ServSafe certification Experience managing food and labor budgets Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Flexibility to work evenings and weekendsDining Services Director - Lead Culinary Programs Across Communities Dining Services Director | Culinary Leadership | Senior Living Dining
Pay Range:66,872.00 - 89,336.00

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 WorkEqual Opportunity Employer

Sunrise Senior Living is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.