Certified Dietary Manager

About the Role:

The Certified Dietary Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the dietary operations within healthcare, residential, or food service settings to ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that meet the dietary needs of all clients or residents. This position is responsible for managing food service staff, coordinating meal planning, and ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations. The role requires collaboration with healthcare professionals, dietitians, and other stakeholders to tailor menus that accommodate special dietary requirements and preferences. The Certified Dietary Manager also monitors inventory, controls food costs, and implements quality assurance measures to maintain high standards of service. Ultimately, this role ensures that dietary services contribute positively to the health and well-being of those served while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification as a Dietary Manager (CDM) from an accredited program.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and dietary management principles.
• Experience in food service management or dietary operations, preferably in healthcare or residential settings.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in nutrition, dietetics, food service management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with special diets such as diabetic, renal, or allergen-restricted menus.
• Familiarity with computerized dietary management systems.
• BLS and First Aid certification.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a healthcare or institutional food service environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily food service operations including meal preparation, delivery, and sanitation to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Supervise, train, and schedule dietary staff to maintain a productive and knowledgeable team.
• Develop and implement menus in collaboration with dietitians that meet nutritional guidelines and accommodate special dietary needs.
• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies, and control food costs to maintain budgetary goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to food safety, sanitation, and dietary services.
• Maintain accurate records of food production, staff training, and regulatory inspections.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to address dietary concerns and improve client satisfaction.

Skills:

The Certified Dietary Manager utilizes strong organizational skills daily to coordinate meal planning, staff schedules, and inventory management, ensuring smooth operations. Communication skills are essential for effectively training staff, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and addressing client dietary needs. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards is applied continuously to maintain compliance and protect client health. Analytical skills help in monitoring food costs and adjusting procurement to stay within budget while maintaining quality. Additionally, leadership skills are critical for motivating the dietary team and fostering a positive work environment that supports high-quality service delivery.