Associate Director OF FOOD & Nutrition Services

Associate Director of Food & Nutrition Services

The Associate Director of Food & Nutrition Services supports Food & Nutrition Services operations within an 860-bed Level I Trauma Center, overseeing inpatient, outpatient, and retail dining programs and producing approximately 600–700 meals per meal period. The Associate Director is part of a collaborative leadership team of eight managers overseeing multiple service lines across the hospital.

This position assists with day-to-day leadership of Food & Nutrition Services in an acute care hospital setting, supporting patient and retail dining, food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. This is an ideal opportunity for a driven, solutions-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced, healthcare environment and is focused on continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of patient, retail, cafeteria, and catering services
• Ensure high levels of patient, client, and customer satisfaction through efficient, cost-effective management
• Assist with oversight of food safety, sanitation, infection control, and regulatory compliance
• Promote team development through coaching, performance management, and engagement
• Collaborate with hospital departments to support integrated operations
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and operational goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality, or related field or Associate degree with 3+ years of related experience
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Registered Dietitian (RD) preferred
• 1–3 years of hospital or healthcare foodservice experience
• 3–5 years of foodservice operations management experience, including inventory and purchasing
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, culinary quality, and cost controls
• Prior P&L or contract-managed services experience preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills
• Financial, budget, and computer proficiency required
• ServSafe® Certification preferred