Director, Dining Services

Category: Community Operations Sub-Category: Dining Services Position Type (Portal Searching) Regular Full-Time Shift: 1st Shift ID: 2025-276714 Location : Name: Brookdale Gables Farmington Location : Address: 20 Devonwood Drive Location : Location: US-CT-Farmington Job Code: 102440 Work Location: On-Site Hiring Range $69,880.00 - $89,020.00 / year

Overview

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Early Access to Paycheck with Earned Wage Access is available for Hourly Associates (outside of CA)

Brookdale Farmington is hiring a Director of Dining Services

A Senior Living Community with Independent Living and Assisted Living

Make Lives Better Including Your Own!

Overview:

• Responsible for the day to day operations in the Culinary Department
• Culinary Management preferred
• Senior Living Experience a Plus

Why Brookdale?

Brookdale is a GREAT place to further your career!

• Join a tenured team at an Upscale, Premier Senior Living Community
• Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status
• Variety of Associate Discounts
• We pride ourselves with a culture of caring. All leadership team members and associates partner together to make sure each associate feels like they are family
• We recognize our staff with our monthly Everyday Hero award and prizes (PTO & Bonus)
• Opportunities for Growth and Advancement! Dedicated Career path for every position!

This is an incentive based position, which may include bonuses, incentive or commission plans.

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant’s skills and experience. Full-time associates in role are eligible for an annual bonus incentive and sales referral bonuses. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company’s 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

Responsibilities

Directs food service operations within the community including all food preparation, dining room operations and dining delivery services. Purchases all food and manages inventory ensuring effective cost controls and vendor service and quality. Ensures the highest nutrition and food quality for the health and pleasure of the residents. Complies with all federal, state and local regulations to ensure sanitary and safe operations. Plans and executes entertaining dining events and themes in conjunction with Activities Director, Marketing Director and other administrative staff to optimize the life and pleasure of the residents. May also cater events as requested by residents or staff.

Hires, trains and manages all supervisory staff for the kitchen, dining room, catering and delivery services. Ensures that supervisors maintain a safe and sanitary environment and provide a caring and pleasurable dining experience for the residents. Coaches supervisors in maintaining appropriate staffing levels and effectively motivating, disciplining and training associates.

Consults with chefs and cooks to develop and maintain pleasing and nutritious menus. Assesses and determines the desires and preferences of the residents regarding food selection and presentation through surveys and daily contact with residents. Ensures preferences are incorporated into the menu and events. Understands the dietary needs of residents and coordinates with dieticians, nursing staff, and care associates to ensure proper selection, preparation and delivery of meals.

Develops department budget including purchasing and staffing expenditures. Approves food orders from company or selected food vendors and ensures a proper level of inventory to meet demand and minimize cost and waste. Routinely monitors budget compliance and recommends changes as needed to maintain operational quality and resident satisfaction.

Encourages the identification of enjoyable ways to encourage socialization and enjoyment of residents through the use of food presentation and events. Improves the décor and condition of dining rooms to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

Networks with Regional Food Service Directors to improve operations, reduce costs and to obtain new program ideas for creative operations.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

#ZR-CT

Qualifications

Education and Experience College degree in food service or hospitality management is preferred. A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry including at least three of those years in a responsible supervisory role of others preparing food and servicing customers. Experience to include management of food inventories and budgets.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements Current ServSafe Certification required. Obtain/hold any local, state and/or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and/or certificates.

Management/Decision Making Applies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a combination of these. Ability to manage a large number of associates directly and through other supervisors to create a productive and motivated department.

Knowledge and Skills Possesses extensive knowledge of a distinct skill or function and a thorough understanding of the organization and work environment. Has working knowledge of a functional discipline. Ability to address staff, residents and visitors in a courteous and friendly manner. Ability to understand the dining and nutritional needs of residents and ability to incorporate residents’ desires into the dining services operation. Extensive knowledge of food preparation and delivery. Knowledgeable of all aspects of food service positions with food and beverage background. Ability to manage a food service operation budget providing 3 meals per day, 7 days a week to large numbers of residents and visitors. Extensive knowledge of federal, state and local regulations regarding the safety of food preparation and handling. Willingness to communicate perceived physical and emotional needs of residents to other skilled staff to assist with addressing their care needs.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Ability to lift: up to 50 pounds
• Vision
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Exposure to latex
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Requires Travel: Occasionally

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

Salary Range Information

$69,880.00 - $89,020.00 / year

Salary : $69,880 - $89,020