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Food Service Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Food Service Director is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and manages dining operations where customers ...

The Food Service Director at Arlington County Detention Center is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and ...

Food Service Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Food Service Director is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and manages dining operations where customers ...

Food Service Director

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$69K - $72K/yr

The Food Service Director at Arlington County Detention Center is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and ...

Food Service Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Join LifeWorks as a Food Service Director and help shape exceptional dining experiences every day. We're seeking a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and is ...

Food Service Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Join LifeWorks as a Food Service Director and help shape exceptional dining experiences every day. We're seeking a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and is ...

Food Service Director

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$69K - $72K/yr

The Food Service Director at Arlington County Detention Center is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and ...

Food Service Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Food Service Director is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and manages dining operations where customers ...

Food Service Director

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$69K - $72K/yr

The Food Service Director at Arlington County Detention Center is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and ...

Food Service Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Join LifeWorks as a Food Service Director and help shape exceptional dining experiences every day. We're seeking a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and is ...

Food Service Manager

Glen Burnie, MD ยท On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Lead the front of the house of the dining operation (Cafeteria/ Residential Dining Facility) in conjunction with the Food Service Director * Plans, directs, and coordinates food service activities in ...

Food Service Manager

Glen Burnie, MD ยท On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Lead the front of the house of the dining operation (Cafeteria/ Residential Dining Facility) in conjunction with the Food Service Director * Plans, directs, and coordinates food service activities in ...

Food Service Manager

Glen Burnie, MD ยท On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Lead the front of the house of the dining operation (Cafeteria/ Residential Dining Facility) in conjunction with the Food Service Director * Plans, directs, and coordinates food service activities in ...

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Food Service Director information

See Washington salary details

$36.2K

$75.4K

$124.6K

How much do food service director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for food service director in Washington is $75,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service director?

Food Service Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of food service establishments, such as cafeterias, hospitals, schools, or corporate dining facilities. They manage staff, budgets, and menu planning to ensure food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Their duties often include supervising food preparation, ensuring compliance with health regulations, ordering supplies, and implementing policies to improve efficiency and service. Food Service Directors play a key role in hiring and training employees and may also interact with clients or customers to address concerns and feedback. Their leadership ensures smooth and efficient food service operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service director?

To thrive as a Food Service Director, you need strong leadership abilities, organizational skills, and a background in food service management, often supported by a degree in hospitality or related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and budgeting software is typically required. Exceptional communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills help you motivate staff and ensure excellent customer experiences. These competencies are crucial for maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and operational efficiency in food service establishments.

What are some common challenges faced by food service directors in managing large teams across multiple locations?

Food Service Directors who oversee large teams across multiple locations often face challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality and safety standards, ensuring effective communication among team members, and managing logistics for supply ordering and inventory. Balancing administrative duties with on-site supervision can also be demanding, especially when addressing staffing shortages or unexpected operational issues. Successful directors leverage strong organizational skills and effective delegation to create cohesive teams and streamline processes across all locations.

How to become a food service director?

To become a food service director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality, nutrition, or a related field, along with several years of experience in food service management. Key skills include leadership, budgeting, and knowledge of food safety standards, and some positions may require certification such as ServSafe. Progression often involves advancing from roles like food service manager or supervisor.
More about Food Service Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Director jobs in Washington?

For Food Service Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Director jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Director jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Food Service Director jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Food Service Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,445 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Food Service Director

HallKeen Assisted Living Communities

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

Department: Food Servicesย 

Reports To: Executive Directorย 

Status: Exempt


Job Summary

The Food Services Director/Executive Chef is directly responsible for establishing and maintaining all standards of quality, conduct, customer service and productivity within the Food Services Department. He/she must maintain appropriate levels staffing and food/supplies inventories and work within the established budget guidelines.


He/she must possess general knowledge in the following areas of operation: productivity, costs and budgets, energy conservation, purchasing, receiving, storing systems, preparation and serving techniques, pilferage and portion control, personnel development, kitchen sanitation and general management of Food Services Department.


Duties and Responsibilities


The following essential functions are the fundamental job duties of the position to be completed with or without appropriate reasonable accommodation.

  • Plans, develops, organize and implement the Food Service department, including hiring/terminating of staff in the conjunction with the Executive Director.
  • Meet regularly with the Executive Director and Resident Care staff to assure compliance with residents' diet requirements.
  • Train staff, and monitor/promote independent programs for staff training.
  • Coordinate the Food Services department with the other departments.
  • Order and purchase food, supplies and equipment as needed.
  • Inventory, weigh and check all incoming deliveries of food and supplies.
  • Direct the proper storage of food and supplies and maintain an orderly inventory.
  • Develop, test and maintain a database of standard recipes.
  • Assure the delivery of meals to the dinning room at appropriate times.
  • Assist in food preparation and cleaning duties.
  • Plan and assist with special events including private dinners.
  • Periodically conduct a resident response program seeking evaluations of meals.
  • Evaluate food consumption and determine/minimize waste.
  • Assist in the preparation of the annual Food Service budget and make efforts to operate within those guidelines.


Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Completion of Food Service Management coursework from a Culinary Arts College or School or equivalent training and experience acquired either through formal training or on-the-job training in appropriate techniques of resident care including nutritional monitoring and assessment, general nutrition, food production and service, sanitation, safety, and commercial kitchen and staff management.
  • Minimum of 1-3 years experience as a Chef with Supervisory work experience in a hospitality or healthcare environment.
  • Serve Safe Certification


Required Behavior

  • Innovate, plan, promote and supervise a food services program that meets or exceeds the minimum standards of quality, productivity and customer service of the property and accommodate the broad spectrum of taste, interests and personal therapeutic requirements of the resident population.ย 
  • Recruit, hire, train discipline and supervise a full complement of staff who are capable and motivated to diligently and conscientiously devote their best efforts to the discharge of the responsibilities contained in their job descriptions and who present a professional demeanor to residents and prospective residents.ย 
  • Maintain department records and perform administrative functions outlined on attached schedule.
  • Ensure adequate quantities of all menu items are prepared in advance of servicing time so as to not run out prior to all residents being served.
  • Establish, document, direct and assist in general kitchen and dining room sanitation procedures preparing schedules for all shifts for all kitchen and dining room staff and post in their work areas.
  • Ensure and provide for the proper cleaning of pots, pans, utensils, eating silverware, china and glassware and routine and preventive maintenance of departmental equipment.
  • Attend staff and resident meetings to report and advise on all food service matters.
  • Ensure that employee meal policies and procedures are properly implemented and controlled.
  • Ensure efficient and effective use of all food services department and community resources, human resources and monetary resources within established budgetary guidelines, equipment and supplies.
  • Purchase all food, kitchen supplies and kitchen equipment, using diligent and competitive purchasing programs and methods.
  • Comply with any and all state, local or federal rules, regulation and licensing requirement related to health, safety (OSHA), and general operation of the food services department.
  • Consult with and advise the Executive Director for the purposes of eliminating operation deficiencies. Communicate and channel to employer, all knowledge, business and other matters of information which could concern or be in any way beneficial to the business of the employer.
  • Diligently and conscientiously devote full and exclusive time and attention, best skills and efforts to the discharge of his/her duties. Present a professional demeanor that communicates to current and prospective residents the corporate philosophy of service, goodwill and genuine interest in the resident's unique needs. Conduct yourself and your business at all times so as not to detract from or reflect adversely on the reputation of the property.
  • Perform other such tasks as may be required from time to time by the management of the property.



Physical Demands

  • Physically able to move at least 50 lbs. without assistance.
  • Physically able to bend, reach, and work in small areas.
  • Physically able to push and pull equipment and furnishings.
  • Physically able to stand for long periods of time.