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 provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the hospital’s food and nutrition services. This role ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality, patient-centered meals that align with clinical objectives, regulatory requirements, and operational excellence. Operating in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, the director leads a multidisciplinary team within a process-driven framework focused on continuous quality improvement, sustainability, and innovation.
Duties include oversight of patient meal services, retail food outlets, catering operations, and clinical nutrition coordination and/or partnerships. Ability to extend competencies across one or more sites within the system standardizing processes, programs, and operational policies. This role is instrumental in aligning food and nutrition services with hospital-wide goals, enhancing patient satisfaction, and maintaining full compliance with CMS, Joint Commission, and local health regulations. Recognized for strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and the ability to exceed performance targets, the Foodservice Director drives forward a culture of excellence, accountability, and service innovation.
- CDM or RD certification
- ServSafe certification
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience
- Ability to convey information clearly and persuasively to staff, management, and stakeholders. Skilled in negotiating with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms and resolve conflicts. Proficient in presenting ideas and updates to groups, including team meetings and executive briefings.
- Expertise in using foodservice management software for inventory, ordering, and operational efficiency. In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation practices, and health regulations. Familiarity with kitchen equipment operation and maintenance, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Ability to analyze operational data, including sales trends and customer feedback, to drive decision-making and improvements. Proficient in identifying issues and developing effective solutions to enhance operational performance. Skilled in setting and evaluating performance metrics to assess success and areas for improvement.
- Understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds and dietary needs, incorporating them into menu planning and service. Ability to foster an inclusive work environment where all staff feel valued and respected.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring a positive dining experience for all patrons. Ability to gather and act on customer feedback to continually improve food quality and service standards. Skilled in tailoring services and menu options to meet the specific needs and preferences of diverse customer groups.
- Demonstrates a high level of motivation to achieve goals and exceed expectations without requiring constant supervision. Consistently dependable in completing tasks on time and maintaining a high level of performance, even under challenging conditions. Ability to set and pursue ambitious goals with persistence and resilience.
- Maintains composure and effectiveness in high-pressure situations, ensuring quality and efficiency are upheld. Skilled in employing stress management techniques to handle multiple tasks and deadlines without compromising performance. Ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain productivity and focus despite stressors.
- Ability to understand and relate to the emotions and perspectives of others, fostering positive relationships and team cohesion. Skilled in addressing and resolving interpersonal conflicts in a constructive and diplomatic manner. Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, building strong, cooperative relationships to achieve common goals.
- Upholds high ethical standards and practices honesty and transparency in all interactions and decisions. Takes responsibility for actions and decisions, ensuring accountability and trustworthiness in all professional conduct. Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion and care.
- Ability to convey information clearly and effectively to various audiences, including staff, customers, and stakeholders. Skilled in listening actively and empathetically to understand concerns and feedback, fostering open and effective communication. Capable of influencing and persuading others through effective verbal and written communication.
- Fosters a culture that encourages creativity, continuous improvement, and the implementation of new ideas, technologies, and processes that drive organizational excellence and adaptability. Proactively seeks and evaluates new ideas, methods, and technologies that improve efficiency, quality, and service delivery. Continuously monitors industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
- Leads and facilitates organizational change initiatives by effectively planning, communicating, and managing transitions to minimize disruption and maximize engagement. Engages stakeholders at all levels to build support and ensure alignment with organizational goals throughout the change process. Utilizes data and feedback to monitor progress, adjust, and sustain improvements post-implementation.
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.
“The environment is nurturing and fosters growth. When I come to work, I know what I'm doing matters.”
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
Once I joined, I knew UCLA Health was THE place to be due to the growth potential and training offered
RENE
If you want to grow professionally, this is the right place for you.
ERA
We are family here. We support each other. We collect together.
ELIZABETH
It’s so diverse and inclusive here. There’s always the opportunity to share your thoughts. It's a place where you feel you belong.
JERRY
Your career path at UCLA Health will enable you to follow a myriad of avenues and turns. It opens up a wide variety of opportunities.
ORLANDO
There’s a togetherness and higher level of commitment to teamwork at UCLA Health. We are several groups and teams that work together with a common goal which is to improve our patients experience.
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
UCLA has incredible resources and a team science approach. The ability to work with collaborative teams and access the amazing resources around campus is the best part about being at UCLA.
RADU
UCLA is very diverse in its personnel as well as its many research fields studied
JENNA
UCLA Health provides so many opportunities to exchange ideas, share moments and grow. I have learned a lot about team management and relationship building.
SHARON
I was looking for a job to further my career and continue to improve and learn as a therapist.
TARO
I have been blessed to be surrounded by supportive colleagues who aspire me to be the best version of myself.
Awards & recognition
