Nealy Pierce is partnering exclusively with a growing, non-profit, independent community hospital in middle Tennessee to recruit a Director of Food and Nutrition Services.
This Director will own the entire service line: clinical nutrition + patient dining + retail + production + staffing + budget.
Why this role stands out
* Directly reports to the COO
* Leads 103 employees including a team of 2 Manager and several Supervisors
* Full in-house Food and Nutrition program
* Full Room Service model supporting acute care, rehab & children’s services
What success looks like
* Full operational leadership of Food & Nutrition Services
* Budget ownership, labor planning & cost control
* Regulatory readiness & food safety oversight
* Patient nutrition, menu development & quality standards
* Partnering with Nursing, Physicians, Facilities & Administration
* Maintaining high patient satisfaction and service accuracy
Successful candidates will bring
* Bachelor of Science in Nutrition or Dietetics with approved internship or clinical experience
* Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in Food & Nutrition Services (acute care hospital strongly preferred)
* Demonstrated ability to lead both clinical nutrition and foodservice operations
* Proven budget ownership, labor management, and operational leadership
* Strong knowledge of food safety, regulatory compliance, and survey readiness
* Collaborative, relationship-driven leadership style with the ability to partner across Nursing, Physicians, Facilities, and Administration
Credentials & Licensure
* Registered Dietitian (CDR) preferred but not required for candidates with strong hospital foodservice operations experience
* Tennessee licensure preferred (or ability to obtain)
* Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) acceptable in place of RD for operationally strong leaders
Compensation & Benefits
* Up to $114k annual base salary, dependent on experience.
* Relocation assistance available
* Comprehensive benefits, generous PTO & retirement
* No state income tax
About the Area:
Living here, you'll enjoy a balance of professional opportunity and personal lifestyle - from scenic parks and outdoor recreation to a vibrant downtown, strong schools, and a close-knit community. Located between Nashville and Knoxville, it provides small-town warmth with regional access, making it an exceptional place to build both a career and a life.
For immediate consideration, please submit your resume via the link.