Food and Nutrition Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the health-conscious era, the focus on Food and Nutrition Managers has never been greater.

As society continues to value wellness and healthy eating, the demand for skilled professionals who can plan, develop, and oversee our nutritional programs and food service systems heightens.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of food and nutrition management,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Food and Nutrition Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Food and Nutrition Managers oversee the planning and preparation of meals in various institutions like schools, hospitals, and restaurants.

They ensure the food served meets nutritional standards and is safe for consumption.

Their typical duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning nutritious and balanced meals for the institution
• Ensuring adherence to dietary needs and restrictions
• Overseeing food preparation and cooking processes
• Ensuring the food is properly stored to prevent spoilage and contamination
• Managing the budget for food purchases and staff salaries
• Monitoring food inventory and ordering supplies as needed
• Maintaining sanitation and safety standards in the kitchen
• Supervising food service staff and providing necessary training
• Working closely with dietitians or medical staff to plan meals for patients with special dietary needs
• Evaluating meal service to ensure it meets quality and nutritional standards
• Staying informed about the latest research in nutrition and implementing changes in meal plans accordingly

 

Food and Nutrition Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Food and Nutrition Manager to oversee the daily operations of our food service and nutrition department.

Your responsibilities will include planning nutritious meals, ensuring food safety standards are met, managing staff, and preparing budgets.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable in dietetics, has a deep understanding of the dietary needs of different populations, and can manage a diverse team.

Ultimately, the role of the Food and Nutrition Manager is to ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the needs of our clientele and comply with health and safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement menus in accordance with nutritional guidelines
• Oversee food preparation and service for all meals
• Manage staff, including hiring, training, scheduling and performance management
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations
• Prepare and manage budget
• Coordinate with dietitians or doctors to plan menus for specific patients or residents
• Monitor inventory and order food supplies as needed
• Handle customer complaints or issues
• Stay updated on latest nutritional research and dietary trends

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Food and Nutrition Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of dietetics and nutrition
• Experience in personnel management and budgeting
• Familiarity with food safety and sanitation regulations
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• BSc degree in Nutrition, Dietetics 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: Office and kitchen setting. Some weekend, holiday, or evening work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Food Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $80,000 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 Manager Do?

Food and Nutrition Managers typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, school cafeterias, or any other establishments where large amounts of food are prepared and served.

They can also be employed by food service companies.

They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their facilities’ food service departments.

This includes planning menus in accordance with nutritional standards and dietary needs, supervising kitchen staff, and managing budgets.

They also ensure that the food prepared in their kitchens is tasty, nutritious, and safe to eat.

They implement food safety standards, monitor sanitation practices, and address any food-related complaints or issues.

Food and Nutrition Managers also play a key role in managing supplies.

They determine the quantity of food required, order supplies, and manage inventory.

In addition, they often coordinate with dietitians or nutritionists to ensure that meals meet the dietary requirements of their clients, particularly in settings such as hospitals or nursing homes where clients may have specific nutritional needs.

They may also be tasked with training new staff, conducting performance reviews, and implementing department policies and procedures.

Ultimately, the Food and Nutrition Manager’s goal is to deliver high-quality food service that meets the needs and expectations of their clients while adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations.

 

Food and Nutrition Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Food and Nutrition Manager should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Expertise in food and nutrition science to design and oversee meal plans that satisfy dietary needs.
• Strong management skills to effectively lead a team of chefs, dietitians, and other food service staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain relationships with suppliers, engage with customers, and collaborate with other departments.
• Financial acumen to manage budgets, control food costs, and ensure profitability.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and standards to ensure the kitchen environment and food preparation processes are safe and hygienic.
• Good problem-solving skills to handle any issues that may arise related to food quality, service, or staff.
• Proficiency in using various software for inventory management, meal planning, and cost analysis.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly convey information to staff, suppliers, and customers.
• Understanding of dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure all meals are suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

 

Food and Nutrition Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level Food and Nutrition Managers may possess 1 to 3 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in food service management, dietary planning, or a related field.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Dietician, Food Service Supervisor, or Nutritionist.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their managerial skills, health and safety compliance knowledge, and diet planning expertise in roles like Food Service Manager, Dietary Manager or Clinical Nutrition Manager.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have significant leadership experience and are equipped to handle larger operations including large-scale meal planning, managing multiple teams, and implementing health and safety regulations.

They may be ready for senior managerial roles or positions in larger healthcare facilities or educational institutions.

Additionally, a Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management, Nutrition, Dietetics or a related field is often required.

Certification as a Dietary Manager or a Registered Dietitian is a common requirement and can be gained through relevant professional organizations.

Continuing education is crucial in this field to stay updated with the latest nutritional guidelines and food service regulations.

 

Food and Nutrition Manager Education and Training Requirements

Food and Nutrition Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in food service management, dietetics, nutrition, culinary arts, or a related field.

In addition to the degree, many positions require a background in food preparation and a thorough understanding of nutrition principles.

Prior experience in food service management or healthcare is often preferred.

Certain roles may require Food and Nutrition Managers to be registered dietitians.

This involves completing a dietetic internship program and passing a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Additionally, they must be familiar with food safety regulations and guidelines.

A certificate in food safety training, such as ServSafe certification, can be a significant advantage.

Some positions, especially those in healthcare facilities or schools, may require Food and Nutrition Managers to obtain a state-specific license or certification.

Many professionals in this field pursue master’s degrees in related disciplines, and certifications in specialized areas like pediatric or geriatric nutrition, to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Ongoing education is important in this role, as food and nutrition guidelines and regulations frequently change.

Therefore, a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research in food and nutrition science is essential.

 

Food and Nutrition Manager Salary Expectations

A Food and Nutrition Manager earns an average salary of $61,485 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the hiring organization.

 

Food and Nutrition Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Food and Nutrition Manager need?

Food and Nutrition Managers should have strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.

They should possess excellent organizational and management skills to oversee food preparation, menu development, and staff management.

Effective communication skills are also essential for coordinating with staff, vendors, and health inspectors.

Additionally, they should have a good understanding of nutrition science to ensure the meals they oversee are well-balanced and healthy.

 

Do Food and Nutrition Managers need a degree?

Most Food and Nutrition Managers have a degree in food service management, dietetics, nutrition, culinary arts, or a related field.

They often need to be certified as a Dietary Manager or have a similar credential.

Some states also require them to be licensed.

While a degree is not always required, it can provide a solid foundation of knowledge for this role.

 

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

Look for a degree in a relevant field, and any certifications like Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) on a Food and Nutrition Manager’s resume.

Experience in food service management, diet planning, and staff supervision is also important.

Other key points to look for include knowledge of local health and safety regulations, ability to work within a budget, and skills in problem-solving and conflict resolution.

 

What qualities make a good Food and Nutrition Manager?

A good Food and Nutrition Manager should have a passion for food and nutrition, with a commitment to promoting healthy eating habits.

They should be detail-oriented to ensure compliance with dietary needs and health regulations.

Leadership and interpersonal skills are also important, as they will need to manage a team and liaise with suppliers, staff, and clients.

Additionally, they should be able to adapt to changing situations and resolve conflicts when they arise.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Food and Nutrition Manager?

Hiring a Food and Nutrition Manager can be challenging because it requires finding a candidate with the right blend of culinary knowledge, nutrition expertise, and management skills.

Offering a competitive salary and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the essentials of being a Food and Nutrition Manager.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about managing diets and nutrition plans.

It’s about fostering healthy communities, one meal at a time.

With our indispensable Food and Nutrition Manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into this vital role.

But why stop there?

Go a step further with our job description generator. It’s your key to perfecting your job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every meal plan is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that healthier future. Together.

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