SR DIRECTOR OF FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES

Job Summary

The Sr. Director of Food & Nutrition Services is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of hospital-based food and nutrition programs in an acute care environment. This role ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered nutrition services while maintaining regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of Food & Nutrition Services within an acute care hospital, including patient dining, retail, and catering operations
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies and standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, state and local health departments)
• Manage department operations within approved budgets, optimizing labor, food cost, and overall financial performance while delivering high-quality patient care
• Ensure patient meals meet physician-ordered diets, clinical nutrition standards, and patient satisfaction goals
• Lead and enforce rigorous safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and food safety programs (HACCP compliance)
• Collaborate closely with clinical teams (dietitians, nursing, physicians) to ensure integration of nutrition care into patient treatment plans
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hospital leadership, department heads, and key stakeholders
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and supply chain processes to ensure efficiency and cost containment
• Lead patient experience initiatives, including room service programs, menu innovation, and service recovery
• Mentor, develop, and retain a high-performing team, including managers, dietitians, and frontline staff
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and service excellence
• Align department operations with overall hospital goals, patient outcomes, and quality metrics

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management, Nutrition, Hospitality, Healthcare Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in acute care food & nutrition services
• 3–5 years of direct operational management experience in a hospital setting, including patient feeding, retail, and clinical nutrition integration
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic diets, clinical nutrition standards, and patient meal service models (e.g., room service)
• Proven experience with regulatory compliance (Joint Commission, CMS) and food safety standards (HACCP)
• Financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgeting, labor productivity, and cost controls in a healthcare environment
• Experience with contract-managed services and healthcare foodservice systems preferred
• ServSafe® certification required (or ability to obtain)
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) or Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) a plus
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage clinicians, executives, and frontline staff
• Forward-thinking, proactive leader who serves as a visible ambassador of the organization within the hospital

Associates at Morrison Healthcare

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retail Plan
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retail Plan
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Company Information

• Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.
• Compass Group maintains a drug-free workplace.
• Req ID: 1538098
• Morrison Healthcare
• Amy S Miller