Internship Food Recipe Development Jobs in California

Job Title: Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) – Culinary Focus

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) with exceptional culinary skills to lead the daily operations of our Food and Nutrition Services Department. The ideal candidate is passionate about preparing high-quality meals, mentoring kitchen staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, and creating an outstanding dining experience for our residents and patients.

This position combines strong leadership, food service management, menu execution, and hands-on culinary expertise to ensure safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that meet therapeutic diet requirements.

Essential Responsibilities:

● Oversee the daily operation of the dietary department, including food production, meal service, sanitation, and staffing.

● Lead and mentor dietary staff through coaching, training, and performance management.

● Prepare and supervise high-quality meals that are visually appealing and meet nutritional standards.

● Utilize strong culinary techniques to improve flavor, presentation, and resident satisfaction.

● Collaborate with the Registered Dietitian to ensure therapeutic diets are accurately prepared and served.

● Maintain compliance with CMS, state, local health department, and food safety regulations.

● Develop standardized recipes and ensure consistent food quality and portion control.

● Manage food purchasing, inventory, and budget while minimizing waste.

● Ensure proper HACCP procedures, temperature monitoring, sanitation practices, and infection prevention standards are followed.

● Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.

● Conduct routine kitchen inspections and implement corrective actions as needed.

● Assist with survey readiness and respond effectively during regulatory inspections.

● Plan and coordinate special meals, holiday events, and resident-centered dining programs.

● Foster a positive dining culture focused on excellent customer service and resident choice.

Qualifications:

● Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential required.

● SERV Safe Manager Certification preferred or required within established timeframe.

● Minimum of 3–5 years of dietary management experience in healthcare, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, behavioral health, or long-term care.

● Strong culinary background with experience in scratch cooking, recipe development, food presentation, and large-volume meal production.

● Knowledge of therapeutic diets, texture modifications, and food allergies.

● Thorough understanding of CMS regulations, Title 22 (California preferred), sanitation, HACCP, and food safety standards.

● Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

● Proficiency with dietary software and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Skills:

● Passion for creating restaurant-quality meals in a healthcare environment.

● Excellent problem-solving and team-building abilities.

● Ability to train and inspire culinary staff.

● Strong understanding of resident satisfaction initiatives and person-centered dining.

● Experience improving food quality, reducing waste, and increasing operational efficiency.

Physical Requirements:

● Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

● Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

● Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.

NTE originated in 2012 and is a registered dietitian owned and supported business. Our RDNs specialize in building strong bonds with their clients and provide services tailored to fit the needs of each facility/organization.
NTE is a group of experienced and passionate RDNs that work with healthcare communities to bring positive changes and outcomes to the residents of the community. It is a unique organization that trains registered dietitians and dietetic interns in long-term care communities by pairing them with our network of experienced RDNs, many of whom were once dietetic interns for NTE. This grassroots approach helps create a network of dietitians dedicated to changing lives one meal at a time.