Assistant Manager – Food Services

Mercy Hospital St. Louis | Full-Time | Evening Shift

Lead with Purpose at Mercy

At Mercy, we believe great care extends beyond the bedside. Every meal served is an opportunity to support healing, comfort, and exceptional patient experiences. As an Assistant Manager – Food Services, you will provide operational leadership for evening Food and Nutrition Services, overseeing culinary and inpatient food service operations while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, service, and team performance.

This leadership role is responsible for the oversight of retail food service, culinary operations, and inpatient food service activities. The Assistant Manager partners with Food and Nutrition Services leadership to ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, employee development, and exceptional service for patients, guests, and co-workers. This position performs all responsibilities in a manner consistent with Mercy's mission, values, and Service Standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight for kitchen, retail, and inpatient food service operations during assigned shifts.
• Coordinate food production, meal assembly, and patient meal service to ensure accuracy, quality, and timely delivery.
• Ensure all food service operations meet established performance, quality, and customer service standards.
• Support staffing plans, scheduling, and workflow management to maintain efficient operations and productivity.
• Serve as a working leader and provide frontline operational support when needed.

Team Leadership & Development

• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training food service team members.
• Supervise, coach, and develop staff to promote engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing feedback, and address performance concerns in a timely manner.
• Facilitate daily huddles and ongoing staff training related to customer service, food safety, diet restrictions, allergens, and operational procedures.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that supports Mercy's culture and values.

Customer Experience

• Promote a culture of service excellence by utilizing AIDET principles and service recovery practices.
• Round regularly with patients, guests, and co-workers to gather feedback and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and lead initiatives focused on enhancing the dining experience.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to support menu development, retail offerings, and special food service events.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Support achievement of departmental financial goals by managing labor, food costs, inventory, and operational resources responsibly.
• Maintain effective purchasing, receiving, and inventory management practices.
• Monitor productivity and identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Ensure accurate completion of required reports, documentation, and departmental records.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HACCP standards, food safety regulations, Joint Commission requirements, CMS standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain department cleanliness, sanitation, and organization through routine inspections and accountability measures.
• Verify completion of required food safety documentation, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and quality audits.
• Ensure staff consistently follow department policies, infection prevention practices, safety protocols, dress code standards, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Promote a safe environment for patients, visitors, and co-workers by identifying and addressing operational risks.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience, including at least one (1) year of food service experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Computer proficiency including basic software applications, spreadsheets, and food service management systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English with patients, co-workers, and leadership.
• Ability to obtain required certification within 90 days of hire:
  • Serve Safe Manager Certification (St. Louis/South Region).

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience, including two (2) years in food service leadership.
• Experience in acute care healthcare food service, hospitality, or large-scale food service operations.
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Registered Dietitian (RD), or Licensed Dietitian credentials.

Why Mercy?

• Mission-driven culture focused on compassionate care.
• Leadership opportunity within a growing healthcare organization.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible co-workers.

Join Mercy Hospital St. Louis and help lead a team dedicated to providing safe, high-quality food service that supports healing and enhances the patient experience every day.