Manager, Patient Food Services
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Summary
As the Patient Food Service Manager, you will lead a team dedicated to delivering high-quality meals and excellent service that support the patient experience. Oversee daily food production, patient meal services, and tray line operations to ensure meals are prepared and served safely and efficiently. Partner with other managers to plan and evaluate menus, monitor food costs, and uphold quality standards across patient and retail dining services. Promote food safety and sanitation, and ensure equipment is used properly and maintained to keep operations running smoothly.
Job description
Summary of Job Duties
As the Patient Food Service Manager, you will lead a team dedicated to delivering high-quality meals and excellent service that support the patient experience. Oversee daily food production, patient meal services, and tray line operations to ensure meals are prepared and served safely and efficiently. Partner with other managers to plan and evaluate menus, monitor food costs, and uphold quality standards across patient and retail dining services. Promote food safety and sanitation, and ensure equipment is used properly and maintained to keep operations running smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Lead patient food service operations: Partner with the Director of Nutrition Services to establish goals, policies, and procedures. Put plans into action and monitor progress to ensure goals are met or exceeded.
- Ensure quality and food safety: Maintain clean, organized food production and patient service areas. Oversee taste and temperature checks and patient tray reviews. Ensure equipment is maintained and staff are trained to use it properly.
- Support budget planning and oversight: Assist with the annual budget for supplies, staffing hours, and equipment. Monitor spending, address differences from the budget, and provide supporting explanations.
- Drive continuous improvement: Help prepare the annual report highlighting accomplishments and progress toward departmental goals. Recommend priorities and related budget needs for the coming year.
- Maintain regulatory compliance: Ensure operations meet Joint Commission requirements, other regulatory standards, and applicable state policies. Inspect facilities and staff hygiene, identify concerns, and coordinate corrective action with the Director.
- Manage inventory and supplies: Maintain accurate equipment and supply records, complete and document routine inventories, and ensure adequate stock levels to support daily operations.
- Develop and support your team: Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff. Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular appraisals and coaching, and offer ongoing training that supports accountability and professional growth.
- Track performance and report results: Maintain records of work volume, quality, and timeliness. Submit regular departmental activity reports to the Vice Chancellor and prepare special reports for projects and other assignments.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree plus four (4) years of experience in foodservice management, catering management, hospitality industry management, or equivalent experience including two (2) years supervisory experience OR High School diploma and eight (8) years of experience in foodservice management, catering management, hospitality industry management, or equivalent experience including two (2) years supervisory experience
- Serve Safe Certification preferred or certification obtained within two (2) years of hire
- Must be able to communicate well and inspire confidence, as well as ensure excellent patient satisfaction
- Self-directed, flexible and innovative
- Good leadership and organizational skills
- Employee must demonstrate basic computer skills
- Registered Dietitian or Certified Dietary Manager preferred
- Prefer someone with significant experience in a hospital food service department in a management role
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Holiday, Vacation & Sick Leave
- Education discount
- Retirement up to 10% match
- Basic Life Insurance
- Career Training
- Merchant Discounts
- Concierge prescription delivery
Company overview
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is Arkansas' only comprehensive academic health sciences university and the state's largest public employer. Founded in 1879 by eight physicians, UAMS has evolved into a statewide health system encompassing six colleges: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Health, and Graduate School. As a premier academic medical center, UAMS combines education, research, and clinical care through its UAMS Medical Center, which serves as Arkansas' only adult Level 1 trauma center and the state's sole provider of adult kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants. The institution operates with a $1.3 billion budget and generates over $100 million in annual research funding, maintaining internationally recognized programs in multiple myeloma, aging, and other specialized areas. UAMS supports over 3,000 students, 900 medical residents and fellows, and maintains affiliations with Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. With eight regional campuses across Arkansas, UAMS provides extensive community outreach and telehealth services, ensuring healthcare access throughout the state while contributing approximately $3.92 billion annually to Arkansas' economy.