Certified Dietary Manager

Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
Gateway Post Acute
Pay Range: $65,000 - $72,000 annually

Gateway Post Acute is seeking a dedicated and experienced Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) to oversee the daily operations of our dietary department. The Dietary Director/CDM is responsible for meal planning, food preparation, service delivery, staff supervision, budget compliance, and ensuring residents receive safe, nutritious, and appetizing meals that meet their individual dietary needs.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, knowledge of long-term care dietary regulations, and a commitment to providing quality food service that supports resident satisfaction and well-being.

General Purpose

The Dietary Director oversees all aspects of the dietary department, including meal planning, food preparation, and service delivery. This role ensures that meals are safe, nutritious, and tailored to meet each resident’s individual needs in accordance with physician orders, approved menus, and regulatory standards. The director manages staff, maintains budget compliance, and coordinates with other departments to support resident well-being and satisfaction.

Essential Duties

• Direct and participate in the preparation and service of meals that are safe, appetizing, and meet prescribed dietary needs
• Maintain food quality, portion control, and compliance with approved menus and physician orders
• Manage department budget, control costs, and order food and supplies appropriately
• Plan and assist with special meals for holidays and facility events
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate dietary staff
• Handle disciplinary actions and terminations as needed, in accordance with facility policy
• Ensure proper food storage and handling practices in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Process new diet orders and updates
• Maintain accurate diet cards and resident dietary records
• Assess resident food preferences, allergies, and nutritional risks
• Complete monthly nutritional notes as required
• Prepare staff schedules and adjust for coverage needs
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and storage environment
• Conduct regular inspections of the dietary department for safety and cleanliness
• Coordinate dietary services with nursing, activities, and other departments
• Participate in Quality Assurance (QA) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings
• Present in-service education programs for dietary staff
• Investigate workplace injuries and implement corrective actions or retraining as needed
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain department security and confidentiality of resident information
• Visit residents to conduct nutritional assessments, explain diets, and promote quality food service
• Notify the Dietitian of any menu changes and document accordingly

Supervisory Requirements

The Certified Dietary Manager is responsible for the overall supervision and management of dietary staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluations, staff development, and ensuring compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Graduate of an approved dietary manager’s course meeting state and federal regulations
• Minimum one year of experience in a long-term care dietary department preferred
• Knowledge of PCC/PointClickCare software preferred
• Must maintain required continuing education and licensing
• Must remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health License and Certification Division
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and customer service skills required

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Occasional sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Frequent talking, hearing, tasting, and smelling
• Visual acuity including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Why Join Gateway Post Acute?

At Gateway Post Acute, we are committed to providing quality care and services to our residents. We value teamwork, compassion, and professionalism, and we are looking for a Dietary Director/CDM who is passionate about creating a positive dining experience for our residents.

Apply today and join the Gateway Post Acute team!

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.