Food Service Manager

The Manager leads kitchen and dining operations at Normandy Living, ensuring food service is safe, well run, and consistent. The role is accountable for the overall quality, reliability, and day-to-day operation of food services in a setting where meals are an important part of health, routine, and quality of life.

KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS

Food Service Operations Oversight

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of kitchen and food service functions to ensure meals are prepared, organized, and delivered to standard.

• Maintain routines, service expectations, and quality checks across meal preparation, service, and cleanup.

• Resolve day-to-day operational issues within authority.

• Step into kitchen or service support when needed to maintain continuity and service standards.

Menu Execution and Meal Service

• Ensure daily meal service is carried out in accordance with approved menus, dietary requirements, portion standards, presentation expectations, and meal schedules.

• Monitor meal quality, consistency, and timeliness to support a dependable dining experience.

• Coordinate meal service changes, special requests, and operational adjustments as needed.

Resident Dining Experience

• Ensure food service is delivered with professionalism, patience, empathy, and respect for resident dignity and independence.

• Reinforce dining standards that support comfort, routine, and responsiveness for older adults.

• Participate in resident meetings or town halls to gather feedback, respond to questions and concerns, and identify opportunities to adjust or improve service.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop teams through clear expectations, coaching, and consistent follow-through.

• Build a positive and productive culture where employees feel supported, fairness and inclusion.

• Lead onboarding and training to ensure staff understand standards, roles, and how to succeed.

• Manage attendance and performance, including timely feedback and discipline when required; engage HR and the GM informed on material issues.

• Lead recruitment and selection; make hiring recommendations and initiate terminations in consultation with the GM and HR.

Food Safety, Sanitation, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, health, sanitation, and regulatory and company operating standard and address issues promptly.

• Reinforce safe food handling, storage, cleanliness, and kitchen practices across all shifts.

• Support inspection readiness and ensure required standards are maintained consistently.

Inventory, Ordering, and Cost Control

• Manage food, supply, and kitchen inventory levels to support meal service.

• Coordinate purchasing and ordering in line with operational needs and approved budgets.

• Monitor waste, portioning, and food use practices to support cost control and operational discipline.

• Identify variances, pressures, or inefficiencies and recommend corrective action.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work collaboratively with the General Manager and other departments to ensure food service supports the broader resident experience and operational needs of Normandy Living.

• Communicate operational impacts, service changes, or resident concerns clearly to affected teams.

Equipment and Kitchen Readiness

• Ensure kitchen equipment, food service areas, and supplies are maintained in a clean, organized, and service-ready condition.

• Identify maintenance, supply, or operational issues and ensure appropriate follow-up.

• Support a workspace that allows staff to work safely, efficiently, and consistently.

Reporting and Operational Insight

• Escalate material operational and people issues, risks, and concerns that fall outside the role’s authority to the General Manager in a timely manner.

• Provide updates and reporting on food service operations, staffing, service performance, resident feedback, food safety issues, and operational needs.

• Identify trends, recurring concerns, or service gaps and bring forward practical recommendations.

Function Development

• Support the ongoing development of food service operations by strengthening staffing capability, improving systems and processes, and identifying operational needs as service demands evolve.

• Contribute to the development of service standards, operational routines, and practical improvements that strengthen efficiency and resident satisfaction over time.

EXPERIENCE & COMPENTECIES

• Experience leading multi-department service operations in hospitality or senior living; residential services experience is an asset.

• Demonstrated capability in people management: coaching, performance management, attendance management, and documentation.

• Strong judgement and ability to lead calmly through disruption and sensitive resident situations.

• Understanding of older adult service needs and the balance between resident independence, safety, and structured operations.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to execute consistently.

• Professional communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

• Financial awareness related to labour planning and operating efficiency.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment

Work is performed onsite in Normandy’s kitchen and dining room.

Physical Requirements

Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and working in active kitchen and dining environments. Ability to lift up to 25lbs. Abilit to respond to service needs during meal periods.

Hazards

Exposure to emotionally sensitive situations common in a senior living environment, including resident illness, hospitalization, injury, or death. Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp objects, cleaning chemicals, food preparation equipment, slippery floors, and other hazards typical of kitchen and food service environments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Flexible availability

• Class 5 drivers license

• RCMP security clearance and vulnerable sector check

• WHMIS

What You’ll Love About Working Here

Whether it’s connecting with residents or driving business results, this role lets you lead with purpose across all levels of the operation. In addition to development opportunities:

• Smile bright with comprehensive dental care
• Stay healthy with extended medical coverage
• Peace of mind through life insurance protection
• Clear vision supported by our vision care plan
• Take time to recharge with 4% annual vacation pay and managers leave
• Save for your future with our RRSP matching program
• Enjoy exclusive discounts across our networks of hotels for you and your family & friends
• Access confidential mental health support whenever you need it