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Nutrition Service Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pearl of Montclare COVID VACCINE IS REQUIRED Food Service Director The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department ...

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local ...

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local ...

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local ...

Pearl of Montclare COVID VACCINE IS REQUIRED Food Service Director The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department ...

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local ...

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local ...

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Nutrition Service Director information

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$34.5K

$54.8K

$111.5K

How much do nutrition service director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for nutrition service director in the United States is $54,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $51,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Nutrition Service Director in coordinating with other departments within a healthcare facility?

A Nutrition Service Director often works closely with nursing, medical, and administrative teams to ensure patient dietary needs are met and food safety standards are maintained. Common challenges include managing communication across departments with differing priorities, adapting meal plans to meet diverse medical needs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Balancing the demands of patient satisfaction, cost control, and staff training can also be complex, but effective collaboration and strong organizational skills help in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Nutrition Service Director vs Dietitian?

AspectNutrition Service DirectorDietitian
CredentialsRegistered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), often with leadership experienceRegistered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, schools, or large organizations overseeing nutrition programsClinical settings, outpatient clinics, or community health programs
ResponsibilitiesManaging nutrition services, staff supervision, program developmentProviding individual nutrition counseling, assessments, and education

The Nutrition Service Director typically oversees entire nutrition programs and manages staff, while a Dietitian focuses on direct client care and nutrition counseling. Both roles require RD/RDN credentials, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nutrition Service Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nutrition Service Director, you need a solid background in dietetics, food service management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field and, often, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Familiarity with menu planning software, food safety management systems, and budgeting tools is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills set top candidates apart in managing teams and ensuring high service standards. These competencies ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious meals while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance with health regulations.

What does a Nutrition Service Director do?

A Nutrition Service Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of food and nutrition programs within institutions such as hospitals, schools, or long-term care facilities. They ensure that meals meet dietary guidelines, budgetary requirements, and food safety standards. Additionally, they supervise staff, develop menus, coordinate with other departments, and may also be involved in nutrition education and policy development. Their role is essential in promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring the well-being of those they serve.
More about Nutrition Service Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Nutrition Service jobs? The most popular types of Nutrition Service jobs are:
What states have the most Nutrition Service Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Nutrition Service Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nutrition Service Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,779 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

The Food Service Director plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Culinary and Nutritional Department in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations to ensure that quality nutritional services are provided on a daily basis and that the culinary services are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner.

Food Service Director Essential Activities and Tasks 

Operations Management

• The Food Service Director (FSD) plans, develops, and directs the Culinary and Nutritional Services Department and its activities.

• Plans, develops, and directs the entire staff.

• Food Service Director (FSD) supervises and may assist in preparation of all products and meals so they are plate-able and appetizing in appearance by following planned menus and using the standard recipes.

• Ensures that stock levels of staple/non-staple food, supplies, equipment, etc. are maintained at adequate levels at all times through effective purchasing and inventory processes.

• Ensures that all residents’ nutritional needs are being met

• Food Service Director (FSD) coordinates services and activities with other departments (i.e. Nursing, Maintenance, Housekeeping, etc.).

• Plans and executes catering needs and special events.

Food Service DirectorCustomer Relations and Service Management

• Food Service Director (FSD) listens and responds to the needs of residents and staff members.

• Reviews and responed to complaints and grievances from residents and staff members regarding all areas of responsibility.

• Serves on various committees and attends meetings of the community providing written and/or oral reports of services and activities regarding the department.

• Maintains the confidentiality of resident care information.

Food Service Director Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Food Service Director (FSD) ensures that appropriate nutritional care for every resident is developed and carried through by ensuring new patient assessments, medical records charting, resident Plan of Care conference attendance, diet order auditing, and food intake monitoring take place.

• Maintains an ongoing quality assurance program for the Culinary and Nutritional Services Department.

• Ensures that culinary services work areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner

• Reviews, develops, and implements a plan of correction for culinary and nutritional services concerns and/or deficiencies noted during quality assurance and state and city survey inspections.

• Works with others on the development, implementation, and maintenance of emergency disaster programs (i.e. fire, severe weather, etc.).

 Food Service Director Financial/Assets Management, Administration, and Reporting

• Follows the departmental budget and maintains the operations within it.

• Ensures that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained and operable to perform necessary duties and services.

• Ensures that menus are maintained and filled in accordance with established policies and procedures. Utilizes available menu planning software.

• Maintains current and accurate records through use of computers and/or other documentation in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Food Service Director Human Resource Management and Development

• Directly and/or indirectly manages all Culinary and Nutritional Services Department staff.

• Experience in working with labor unions and contract compliance

• Interviews, selects and orients new direct reports.

• Defines, establishes and promotes performance expectations so direct reports understand and demonstrate excellence through high quality and consistent performance.

• Evaluates job performance of direct reports in accordance with the company policy and procedure and provide developmental guidance to staff for improved performance and growth.

• Documents and engages employees who are routinely not observing these requirements in an effort to achieve compliance. Works with Human Resources when circumstances arise that necessitate further documentation and intervention.

• Participates in the development, planning, scheduling, conducting, and monitoring of in-service training programs, on-the-job training, and orientation programs for departmental staff.

• Ensures that there is a reasonable and sufficient plan for staffing should a direct report be absent or a direct reporting position be vacant.

The Food Service Director (FSD) handles all other duties as assigned.