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Dietary Specialist, Food Services
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Job Code
30000834
Basic Function
Plans, directs, supervises, implements and coordinates all nutrition educational activities within the Clinical Nutrition and Food Services Unit (CNFSU), under the direction of the supervisor, to maintain the competencies of inpatient and outpatient dietitians.
Scope
The Food Services Team Lead plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates all food services activities to ensure effective, efficient, and compliant operations. This role is responsible for overseeing food service delivery across inpatient units, cafeterias, catering, and related services while ensuring high standards of quality, nutrition, safety, and patient satisfaction. The Food Services Team Lead works closely with clinical nutritionists, food service contractors, and healthcare teams to deliver patient-centered care in alignment with regulatory, accreditation, and organizational policies.
Principal Contacts
- Contacts with the supervisor, nutrition advisor, clinical nutrition leader, food services team leader, other staff of CNFSU and food services contractor.
- Contacts with patients, wards clerks, nurses and other members of the health care team to obtain nutrition information, analyzes them, develops nutrition care plans, and assists in nutrition education process for patients and staff.
- Contacts with General Nursing leaders, JHAH Quality Improvement Coordinator, Pharmacy and other members of the healthcare team in liaison with CNFSU Supervisor.
Principal Duties
- Lead daily operations of all food services activities including patient meal services, cafeteria, catering, and coffee stations.
- Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and quality improvement programs for food services delivery.
- Coordinate with the food services contractor to ensure contract compliance, staffing adequacy, quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
- Plan menus for patients, staff, and special events ensuring therapeutic, cultural, and nutritional requirements are met.
- Monitor and evaluate staff performance, provide coaching, training, and development with a focus on building workforce capacity including Saudi Arab workforce development.
- Manage budgets, financial reports, and pricing related to food services delivery.
- Ensure compliance with JHAH, JCI, HACCP, Ministry of Health, and other applicable standards and regulations.
- Conduct performance appraisals and participate in recruiting and hiring processes.
- Serve as a liaison between food services, clinical nutrition, nursing, and other healthcare teams to ensure seamless nutrition care and service delivery.
- Promote a culture of patient-centered care, confidentiality, and professionalism among all food services personnel.
- Participate in committees, staff meetings, and training programs to advance service quality and team effectiveness.
- Maintain accurate documentation including food production records, inventory, and contractor performance reports.
- Respond to patient, staff, and visitor preferences and complaints to ensure satisfaction.
- Oversee disaster intervention and emergency response related to food services operations.
- Manage and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Specialized Therapy Department and/or JHAH on a monthly and annual basis, including but not limited to budget, patient satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and safety.
Principal Duties (cont'd)
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Services, Clinical Nutrition, or related field.
Experience
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in food services management, preferably within a JCI-accredited healthcare setting.
- Experience in supervising food service teams and managing contracts with external vendors.
- Certifications such as HACCP are preferred.
Certifications/Other requirements as applicable
- Fluent oral and written English and independently apply problem solving strategies to enhance patients outcomes with effective resolution. Spoken Arabic is desirable.
- Active member in an International Nutrition Association.
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