Director of Dining Services & Hospitality

Come join the team at Northcrest Community, voted the Best Place to Work in Story County! Northcrest Community is a vibrant, active retirement community offering a full continuum of premier services to the older adults who call Northcrest home. Northcrest Community is seeking a dynamic and service-driven Director of Dining Services & Hospitality to lead our culinary and dining operations with a focus on exceptional quality, hospitality, and resident experience. This role blends the operational excellence of a Dietary Manager with the service culture of a restaurant manager, ensuring that every dining interaction reflects warmth, dignity, and excellence.

The ideal candidate is passionate about creating memorable dining experiences, fostering a culture of hospitality, creative menu planning and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a senior living environment.

Core CompetenciesHospitality Mindset:

A genuine passion for serving others with warmth and excellence

Leadership:

Ability to inspire, coach, and develop high-performing teams

Operational Excellence:

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Communication:

Effective and compassionate communicator with residents, families, and staff

Quality Focus:

Commitment to continuous improvement and high standardsMajor Duties and ResponsibilitiesHospitality & Resident ExperienceChampion a culture of hospitality where residents and guests feel welcomed, valued, and known.

Lead by example in delivering restaurant-quality service with a personal touch.

Engage regularly with residents to understand preferences, gather feedback, and continuously enhance the dining experience.

Ensure dining environments are inviting, well-maintained, and reflective of Northcrests standards.

Dining Operations ManagementOversee all daily dining operations, including dining rooms, kitchen production, and special events.

Ensure seamless coordination between culinary and service teams.

Maintain high standards for food presentation, service timing, and overall experience.

Manage scheduling, staffing levels, and workflow to optimize efficiency and service quality.

Culinary Quality & NutritionPartner with culinary staff and dietitian to ensure meals are both nutritionally balanced and appealing.

Ensure compliance with all dietary requirements, therapeutic diets, and resident-specific needs.

Uphold high standards for food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

Team Leadership & CultureRecruit, train, and mentor team members with a focus on hospitality, professionalism, and accountability.

Foster a positive, team-oriented culture grounded in respect and service excellence.

Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to elevate both service and culinary standards.

Determine Staffing needs of the Department necessary to meet the demands of the business.

Quality Assurance & Continuous ImprovementMonitor and evaluate dining services through resident feedback, surveys, and direct observation.

Implement improvements that enhance both quality and hospitality.

Stay current with trends in senior living dining and restaurant service innovation.

Financial & Administrative OversightManage departmental budgets, including food, labor, and supplies.

Monitor cost controls while maintaining high quality.

Oversee inventory management and vendor relationships.

Required QualificationsBachelors degree in Hospitality, Food Service Management, Nutrition, or related field preferred. A Culinary Arts Degree or Diploma may be substituted for the Bachelors Degree.35 years of leadership experience in dining services, hospitality, or restaurant management.

Experience in senior living, healthcare dining, or hospitality environments preferred.

Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or ability to obtain certification within three months of hire.

Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and dietary compliance standards.

Northcrest is the only non-profit, locally owned and managed retirement community in Ames. We offer a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, 401(k), vacation time, holidays and sick time. Scholarship and tuition assistance available for advancing educational pursuits.

If you have a heart for serving others, love seniors and are looking for a job that fills your bucket, look no further. Northcrest Community participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.