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Dining Services Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking a Dining Services Director who is equal parts culinary leader, hospitality professional, and team builder. If you take pride in serving restaurant-quality food, developing people, and ...

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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 Aug 23, 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 does a dining services director 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 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 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 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:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,712 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Dining Services Director

Grace Management, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Grace Management rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Pay starting at $68,000/year
At The Shores at Clear Lake, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents through compassionate care and unwavering support. We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to creating exceptional living experiences and who are eager to contribute to a supportive, family-like atmosphere. When you join The Shores at Clear Lake, you become an integral part of a team that values making a positive difference every single day. If you are driven by empathy and excellence, we invite you to bring your talents to our welcoming community.
Full-time benefits include:
  • PTO (Paid Time Off) and Holiday Pay: Take advantage of paid time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Daily pay: Get paid daily, providing you with financial flexibility and control over your earnings.
  • Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401K with employer match: Plan for your financial future with our 401k program.
  • Life Insurance: Company paid life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability: Financial security while you recover from an injury that puts you out of work
  • Referral Bonuses: Refer qualified candidates and earn rewards
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your education with our support
  • Employee Assistance Program: Connecting our employees with resources for handling personal challenges

Summary of Duties of the Dining Services Director
The Dining Services Director oversees all aspects of dining services and supervises dietary associates. The Dining Services Director assures that the kitchen and associates meet all regulatory requirements and maintains quality food service within budget.
Essential Functions of the Dining Services Directo
  • Responsible for dietary department in all its aspects.
  • Plans menus via Grove Menu system.
  • Purchase foods and supplies; Inventories and supervises storage of incoming food and supplies.
  • Prints production sheets; prepares and pulls recipes for utilization by cook team.
  • Prepares meals according to planned menus, including any special diet requirements.
  • Follows standardized recipes and special diet orders.
  • Maintains safe and sanitary dietary department.
  • Directs and instructs dietary personnel.
  • Assists and directs daily scheduled cleaning duties.
  • Serves food according to portion control.
  • Schedules hours and assigns duties to dietary associates.
  • Check food and supplies for next meals.
  • Participates in special events planning and preparation.
  • Maintains equipment, including dishes, cookware, utensils, supplies, and reorders items when needed.
  • Participates in required meetings, training, and associate programs.
  • May be required to participate in weekend Manager on Duty (MOD).
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Non-Essential Functions of the Dining Services Director
  • Supports and participates in the resident centered activity programs.
  • Participates in projects or committees as assigned.
  • Attends all associate meetings including in-service education and associate functions, as requested by supervisor.
  • Assists in variety of tasks involving residents as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
  • High school Diploma or GED at minimum with some specialized training in food service.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English.
  • Continued education in food service preferred including RD, CDM, or Culinary Degree.
  • Serv-Safe Certification Class.
  • Two years minimum experience in food service management preferably in a health care setting.
  • Be free from communicable disease.
  • Completion of drug testing and criminal background check upon hire and upon request of supervisor.
  • Must be able to cook and follow standard recipes.
  • Physical requirements include bending, standing, lifting, stooping, sitting, stretching, carrying, and walking; and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Must have manual dexterity to peel, cut, and prepare different types of food; Ability to work with a variety of kitchen machinery.
  • Ability to accept constructive input as to the quality of your meals/cooking.
  • Ability to relate to residents and associates in a courteous and diplomatic manner under all circumstances.
  • Familiarity with restaurant or cafeteria-style organization in regard to food preparation and service, purchasing, staff scheduling, food, and labor cost control as well as quality control.
  • Experience in record keeping and menu planning.
  • Able to relate to residents and associates in a courteous and diplomatic manner under all circumstances.
  • Adhere to and carry out all policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Grace Management

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grace Management, headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, is a revered figure in the senior living industry in the United States. Established in 1984, the esteemed organization specializes in crafting luxury senior living communities across the nation. Its primary aim is to create lifestyle-enriching environments that empower seniors to live independently, with dignity, grace, and security. Over the years, Grace Management has significantly expanded its national footprint, with senior residences scattered across the country, manifesting its mission to serve our senior population.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Maple Grove, MN, US

Year founded

1984

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