Make a difference in people’s lives every day. When you join UCLA Health, you’ll be working at an institution that provides leading-edge care to the people of L.A. and throughout the world. We provide our team members with the environment and support to do amazing work, because each and every one of them plays a vital role in our commitment to care.
The Associate Director of Food and Nutrition Services provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the hospital’s food operations. This includes patient meal services, retail food outlets, catering, and coordination with clinical nutrition.
In this fast-paced, high-volume environment, the Associate Director leads a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered meals while meeting regulatory standards and supporting clinical goals. The role emphasizes process improvement, sustainability, and innovation, and may extend across multiple sites to standardize systems and policies.
This position plays a key role in aligning food and nutrition services with hospital-wide priorities, improving patient satisfaction, and ensuring compliance with CMS, Joint Commission, and local health codes. Success in this role requires strong leadership, a strategic mindset, and a focus on results, accountability, and service excellence.
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
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Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Registered Dietitian (RD)
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ServSafe Certification
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At least 10 years of relevant experience in food and nutrition services, ideally in a healthcare or high-volume setting
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Able to lead and motivate diverse teams while managing day-to-day operations across multiple locations
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Experienced in using foodservice software, maintaining compliance with safety standards, and overseeing kitchen equipment operations
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Communicates clearly and effectively with staff, executives, and external partners; comfortable leading presentations and negotiations
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Uses operational data and feedback to improve performance, streamline processes, and elevate service quality
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Focused on delivering excellent, patient-centered service and continuously adapting to meet customer needs
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Brings cultural awareness and inclusivity into team management and menu planning
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Self-driven, dependable, and consistently meets deadlines without requiring close supervision
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Performs well under pressure, juggling multiple tasks while maintaining quality and composure
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Maintains high ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all interactions
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Open to new ideas and approaches, with a strong track record of leading change and implementing improvements
EMPLOYMENT SCAM ALERT:
UCLA Health Recruitment is currently being targeted by scam artists through external job board sites. Review some tips in order to avoid becoming targeted. El reclutamiento de salud de UCLA actualmente está siendo atacado por estafadores a través de sitios de juntas de trabajo externos. Revisar algunos consejos para evitar ser apuntado.
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VINCENT, Sr. CLS Specialist, Toxicology
MONICA
I've been blessed to touch so many lives through my serving. It's a privilege to uplift other employees with words of encouragement and a smile.
SOZIT
The first thing i noticed when i joined the team was how everyone is very welcoming and friendly with supportive management. I did not feel like an outsider.
EDGAR
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RENE
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ERA
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ELIZABETH
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JERRY
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ORLANDO
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DAVID
UCLA Health walks the walk and talks the talk! It's an incredible feeling to work for an organization that always puts the patient first. I am honored to work in full alignment with the UCLA Health Mission and Vision.
DR. ISLA GARRAWAY
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RADU
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JENNA
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SHARON
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