Campus Dining Services Director (CCRC)

Riverside -

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Campus Dining Services Director to lead all food and beverage operations for our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This executive-level role oversees a high-volume, multi-faceted dining program serving approximately 900 meals per day across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing units. With an annual managed volume of approximately $1.5 million, this is a significant operation that requires strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a hospitality-first mindset.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned foodservice professional with broad experience in large-scale campus dining, senior living, resort-style hospitality, or hotel operations. This is not a narrowly focused healthcare dietary manager role — we need a dynamic leader capable of delivering elevated, restaurant-style dining experiences while ensuring seamless coordination across all levels of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Hospitality Excellence: Direct all campus dining and beverage services with a focus on high-end, restaurant-style hospitality tailored to an active senior living community. Continuously elevate the resident dining experience while accommodating diverse dietary preferences and needs.

• Multi-Level Care Oversight: Manage food production and service across independent living restaurants, assisted living, and skilled nursing health centers, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and resident satisfaction at every level.

• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing team including an Executive Chef, Retail Managers, Healthcare Dining Managers, and Registered Dietitian (RD). Responsibilities include recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management, and fostering a positive, collaborative culture.

• Financial Management: Oversee a $1.5M operation with full P&L accountability. Control food, labor, and operating costs; manage inventory; develop and adhere to departmental budgets; and identify opportunities for revenue enhancement and operational efficiency.

• Menu Development & Operations: Lead innovative menu planning, procurement, and production that balances resident preferences, nutritional needs, seasonal offerings, and cost control.

• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including HACCP, sanitation standards, food safety protocols, and senior living-specific requirements. Maintain exemplary health department inspection records.

• Resident & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with residents, families, and campus leadership. Respond proactively to feedback and continuously improve service quality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven Leadership: 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in foodservice management, preferably in senior living/CCRC, university campus dining, resort/hotel, or large-volume hospitality operations.

• Scale: Demonstrated success managing operations of similar or larger volume (800+ meals/day and/or multi-million dollar budgets strongly preferred).

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Equivalent significant experience will be considered.

• Certifications:

  • Active ServSafe Manager certification (required)

  • Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) highly preferred

• Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong business acumen with proven ability to manage budgets and control costs

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Passion for hospitality and resident-centered service

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards

  • Experience working collaboratively with clinical teams (including RDs) while preserving a vibrant hospitality culture

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Opportunity to lead a high-visibility, impactful department in a mission-driven organization

• Supportive executive team and dedicated culinary professionals

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hospitality-oriented leader looking to make a meaningful difference in a senior living community while operating at a true executive level.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience managing large-scale dining operations to [Insert Email/Application Link]. We are actively reviewing candidates and encourage experienced leaders to apply.