Manager, Nutritional Services

Job Summary

The Manager, Nutrition Services oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutritional and food service programs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, optimize patient and resident satisfaction, and achieve operational efficiency. This role partners with colleagues and facility leaders to ensure quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness in all aspects of nutrition and food service operations.

Essential Functions

• Oversees daily operations of Food and Nutrition Services to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Partners with the Corporate Dietitian to review and modify menus based on patient population needs, dietary restrictions, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborates with the Chef to ensure recipes, menu items, and meal production meet established quality and presentation standards for patients, residents, and retail customers.
• Develops and enforces purchasing and inventory control standards to maintain cost-effective operations.
• Implements and monitors Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards and other food safety protocols to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducts and coordinates ongoing staff training programs to promote professional development and ensure adherence to department standards and compliance requirements.
• Monitors patient and resident satisfaction through surveys and direct feedback; identifies areas for improvement and implements corrective actions.
• Develops and maintains departmental documentation, including policy updates, performance reports, and audit records.
• Ensures all staff follow proper sanitation and infection prevention protocols.
• Serves as the departmental liaison for inspections, audits, and surveys, ensuring readiness and compliance with all applicable standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management

• Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.

• Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with Director on staffing issues.

• Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.

• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight

• Develops and manages departmental budget ensuring cost effective operations while maintaining high quality service.

• Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.

• Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

• Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.

• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.

• Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.

• Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.

• Collaboration and Communication

• Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.

• Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.

• Staff Responsibilities

• May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Four (4) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 2-4 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 2-4 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.