Associate Director FOOD & Nutrition Services

Associate Director of Food & Nutrition Services

The Associate Director of Food & Nutrition Services provides strategic oversight and operational support for all food service functions within a 102-bed acute care hospital in Vernon/Rockville, Connecticut. This role ensures high-quality patient dining services, regulatory compliance, strong financial performance, and efficient daily operations. The Associate Director collaborates closely with clinical, administrative, and operational teams to enhance patient satisfaction, optimize workflows, and uphold excellence in food safety and service standards.

This leadership role supports the successful operation of Food & Nutrition Services, including patient and retail dining, catering, sanitation, and quality assurance. It is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, solutions-focused leader seeking to elevate service delivery and drive continuous improvement within a healthcare setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Support overall client and patient satisfaction while ensuring efficient, cost-effective management of Food & Nutrition Services.
• Assist in overseeing all patient and non-patient foodservice operations, including retail, cafeteria, catering, and production.
• Direct safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs to ensure compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain strong relationships with patients, hospital leadership, and internal departments to support seamless operations.
• Promote professional growth, coaching, and development for foodservice team members.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, infection control processes, and regulatory readiness efforts.
• Help integrate Food & Nutrition Services within the facility's operational plan and participate in hospital committees as needed.
• Support budgeting, cost control, purchasing, inventory, and financial reporting activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality, Nutrition, or related field; OR Associate degree with three (3) years of directly related experience.
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a hospital or adult care environment, depending on education and training.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of foodservice operational management experience, including purchasing and inventory control.
• Strong knowledge of foodservice trends, production systems, sanitation practices, cost controls, and quality standards.
• Previous P&L accountability or experience in contract-managed services is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong financial, budgeting, and analytical abilities.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and foodservice management systems.
• ServSafe® certification required.

Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, flexible time off, paid parental leave, holiday time off, personal leave, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details are available at https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1518423

Morrison Healthcare

AMY S MILLER

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