Food and Nutrition Management Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of health and wellness, the focus on Food and Nutrition Management has never been stronger.

As society becomes more health-conscious, the demand for proficient professionals who can manage, optimize, and secure our nutritional health amplifies.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a Food and Nutrition Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the realm of food and nutrition management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Food and Nutrition Management job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Food and Nutrition Management Duties and Responsibilities

Food and Nutrition Managers oversee the planning, preparation, and delivery of meals within a variety of settings such as healthcare facilities, schools, and corporations.

They ensure that meals are nutritious, safe, and meet specific dietary needs.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing, planning, and implementing nutrition programs and menus
• Ensuring meals meet dietary requirements and health and safety standards
• Overseeing food preparation, presentation, and serving of meals
• Supervising, training, and managing food service staff
• Controlling and managing food and labor costs within the department
• Collaborating with dietitians or physicians to plan menus according to patients’ nutritional and dietary needs
• Procuring food supplies and kitchen equipment, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness
• Performing administrative tasks such as preparing reports, budgeting, and record keeping
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations
• Interacting with clients, patients or customers to gather feedback and address any concerns

 

Food and Nutrition Management Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Food and Nutrition Manager to oversee the planning and implementation of dietary services within our organization.

The Food and Nutrition Manager’s responsibilities include assessing nutritional needs, developing balanced meal plans, coordinating kitchen staff, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about the science of nutrition, have a strong background in food service management, and demonstrate exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Food and Nutrition Manager is to ensure our organization provides nutritious, safe, and delicious meals that cater to the needs of our diverse clientele.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning and preparation of nutritious meals
• Coordinate and supervise kitchen staff
• Assess the dietary needs and preferences of clients
• Develop and implement balanced meal plans
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations
• Manage food and kitchen supply inventory
• Conduct regular staff training on nutrition and food service procedures
• Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment
• Resolve any issues or complaints regarding food quality or service
• Prepare reports on food service operations and expenses
• Stay current with nutritional science research

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Food and Nutrition Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of dietary and nutrition principles
• Experience with food service management and meal planning
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to train and motivate staff
• Proficiency in kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• BSc degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Food and Nutrition Manager
• Work Environment: Kitchen setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for industry events or vendor meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Food Services or Facility Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Food and Nutrition Management Do?

Food and Nutrition Managers typically work in food service settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other institutions where food is prepared and served.

They can also be employed by food companies, government agencies, or they can work as independent consultants.

Their primary role is to plan, monitor and manage food and nutrition programs.

They are responsible for the overall operation of food service including meal planning, purchasing, preparation, and service of food.

They work closely with dietitians, chefs, and other food service staff to ensure that the meals being served not only meet nutritional standards but are also appealing and appetizing.

Food and Nutrition Managers also oversee the implementation and adherence to safety and sanitary regulations in food preparation and storage areas.

They also develop and manage the food service budget, control inventory, and may also be involved in hiring, training, and supervising food service staff.

In addition, they often interact with clients or patients, addressing their dietary needs, and concerns.

It may involve creating specific diet plans for individuals with allergies, health conditions, or specific nutritional needs.

Food and Nutrition Managers play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness through proper food and nutrition management.

 

Food and Nutrition Management Qualifications and Skills

Food and Nutrition Managers should have a combination of technical skills, knowledge of dietary needs, and managerial abilities, such as:

• Understanding of nutrition science to create balanced meal plans and oversee food production.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and standards to ensure all preparation and cooking activities meet the necessary requirements.
• Strong managerial skills to efficiently manage staff, coordinate work schedules, and maintain a high level of service.
• Problem-solving skills to address any issues related to food quality, staff performance, or customer complaints.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with clients, staff, and suppliers, and to promote healthy eating habits.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, requiring strong time-management skills.
• Strong financial skills to manage budgets, control costs, and maximize efficiency.
• Experience with dietary software and ability to learn new technologies quickly.

 

Food and Nutrition Management Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Food and Nutrition Management may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in the food service or healthcare industries.

Some candidates may gain practical experience in roles such as Dietetic Technician, Nutrition Assistant, or Food Service Associate.

Candidates with around 3 to 5 years of experience in the food and nutrition field often develop their management skills in roles like Food Service Supervisor or Nutrition Services Manager.

They may be responsible for implementing nutrition programs, managing foodservice operations, or planning meals.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have leadership experience and a comprehensive knowledge of dietary needs and food service operations.

They may be ready for roles such as Director of Food and Nutrition Services, where they would oversee food service departments, manage staff, and coordinate nutritional programs.

In addition to practical experience, candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, foodservice systems management, or a related field are often preferred.

Some roles may also require certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

 

Food and Nutrition Management Education and Training Requirements

Individuals interested in Food and Nutrition Management typically require a bachelor’s degree in food service management, dietetics, or a related field.

The curriculum for these programs often includes courses in nutrition, food preparation, and food service management.

Practical experience is also essential, and internships or work placements in healthcare facilities, school cafeterias or other food service settings are highly recommended.

This gives students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

In some cases, especially for higher-level management roles, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science or a related area.

These advanced programs provide a deeper understanding of the scientific, ethical, and business aspects of food and nutrition management.

Certification can also be beneficial.

For example, the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential, which demonstrates competency in foodservice management and nutrition, can be a valuable asset.

Continuous professional development is also important in this field, as it allows professionals to keep up with the latest research, trends, and regulations in food and nutrition.

This could be achieved through workshops, seminars, or additional courses.

Lastly, most states require Food and Nutrition Managers to be licensed or certified, which generally involves passing an exam.

Criteria for licensing typically include having a relevant degree and work experience.

 

Food and Nutrition Management Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Food and Nutrition Manager is $58,920 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, certifications, location, and the specific industry in which they are employed.

 

Food and Nutrition Management Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Food and Nutrition Manager need?

A Food and Nutrition Manager needs to have strong leadership skills to oversee the work of kitchen staff and dietitians.

They should have a deep understanding of food safety regulations and nutritional guidelines to ensure meals meet the required standards.

Excellent planning and organizational skills are crucial for managing the menu planning, food preparation, and service process.

They should also have good communication skills to relay information between the kitchen staff, dietitians, and upper management.

 

Do Food and Nutrition Managers need a degree?

Yes, most employers require a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food service management, or a related field for this role.

A degree provides individuals with the necessary knowledge about food service management, nutritional science, and dietary needs.

Some roles may also require a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

 

What should you look for in a Food and Nutrition Manager’s resume?

Apart from a degree in a relevant field, look for a track record in managing food service operations in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or long-term care facility.

Experience in menu planning, dietary planning, and managing kitchen staff is also essential.

Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Food and Nutrition Manager?

A good Food and Nutrition Manager has a strong commitment to food safety and nutrition.

They are capable of balancing nutritional needs with budget constraints and patient preferences.

Being a good leader who can motivate and manage a team is crucial, as is the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

They should also be detail-oriented to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and dietary guidelines.

 

What are the daily duties of a Food and Nutrition Manager?

A Food and Nutrition Manager typically oversees the overall food service operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and service.

They coordinate with dietitians to ensure meals meet dietary needs and preferences of patients or clients.

They manage kitchen staff, ensuring they follow food safety regulations.

They may also be responsible for budgeting, procurement of food and kitchen supplies, and maintaining records of food production and service.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve laid out the essential ingredients that go into the recipe of a successful career in food and nutrition management.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not all about cooking and calorie counting.

It’s about designing wholesome, nutritious meals and curating a healthier lifestyle for people.

With our ready-to-use food and nutrition management job description template and authentic examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But don’t stop at just that.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key ingredient for crafting detailed job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every meal planned, every dietary advice given, contributes to the larger goal.

Let’s cook up a healthier world. Together.

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