Vanguard Landing is seeking an experienced and motivated Food Service Manager (Kitchen Manager) to oversee all food service operations within our residential services program supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This leadership role is responsible for menu implementation, food safety compliance, inventory management, staff supervision, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality meal service that meets DBHDS, health department, and organizational standards.

If you are passionate about food service leadership, team development, and improving the lives of others through quality nutrition and care, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Food Service Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and supervising all kitchen and dining operations. This position ensures safe, nutritious, and appealing meals are prepared and served in accordance with physician orders, dietitian-approved menus, DBHDS regulations, and food safety standards.

The Food Service Manager supervises kitchen staff, manages inventory and purchasing, oversees sanitation programs, and serves as the primary leader of Vanguard Landing's food service department.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Management

• Recruit, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate kitchen staff.
• Develop employee schedules and ensure adequate staffing coverage.
• Manage employee performance and provide ongoing training.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and in-service training.

Food Service Operations

• Oversee daily preparation and service of meals and snacks.
• Ensure meals are prepared according to approved recipes and menus.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, presentation, and resident satisfaction.
• Support person-centered dining experiences and resident meal preferences.
• Assist with cooking and meal preparation as needed.

Menu & Nutrition Management

• Implement and maintain a Dietitian-approved four-week rotating menu.
• Ensure compliance with physician-ordered diets and allergy restrictions.
• Coordinate meal modifications for diabetic, texture-modified, and therapeutic diets.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals regarding nutritional needs.

Purchasing & Inventory Control

• Order food, beverages, and kitchen supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels and food costs.
• Maintain emergency food and water supplies in accordance with DBHDS requirements.
• Obtain vendor quotes and manage supplier relationships.
• Reduce waste through effective inventory management practices.

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with:
• DBHDS regulations
• Virginia Department of Health requirements
• Food safety and sanitation standards
• Organizational policies and procedures
• Maintain temperature logs, sanitation records, and food service documentation.
• Prepare for and participate in inspections, audits, and licensing reviews.
• Implement corrective actions when deficiencies are identified.

Facility & Equipment Oversight

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibration, and repair.
• Conduct routine inspections of kitchens, storage areas, and dining rooms.
• Ensure safe operation and storage of equipment, chemicals, and food products.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Food Service Management experience.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Current Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe Manager or equivalent).
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to pass Criminal History and Central Registry background screenings.
• Current TB screening or ability to obtain prior to employment.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Nutrition, or related field.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, assisted living, nursing home, or IDD residential services.
• Experience supervising food service staff.
• Knowledge of DBHDS regulations and residential service operations.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds regularly.
• Occasionally lift up to 60 pounds.
• Work in kitchen environments involving heat, cold storage, and commercial equipment.
• Participate in food deliveries, inventory management, and kitchen inspections.

Why Vanguard Landing?

At Vanguard Landing, we believe quality meals are essential to quality care. Our Food Service Manager plays a vital role in supporting health, wellness, and dignity for the individuals we serve.

Join an organization that values leadership, teamwork, innovation, and person-centered care while providing opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vanguard Landing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced food service professional ready to lead a mission-driven kitchen operation, we invite you to apply and become part of the Vanguard Landing team.

At Vanguard Landing, our Direct Support Professionals play a vital role in helping residents live full, meaningful, and independent lives. We’re looking for compassionate, dependable, and energetic team members who enjoy building relationships, supporting others, and creating a positive environment each day.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to pass required background screenings and TB screening
• Ability to pass a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, or age-related disabilities
• Reliable Transportation

PREFERRED

• CPR Certification up to date

Key Responsibilities

• Support residents with daily routines, personal care, and individualized goals
• Assist with activities of daily living including hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility support
• Encourage independence, social engagement, recreation, and community participation
• Help residents prepare for work, appointments, outings, and activities
• Document resident progress and follow individualized support plans (ISPs)
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming living environment
• Respond appropriately to behavioral or crisis situations when needed
• Support residents’ hobbies, interests, and vocational activities
• Work collaboratively with the care team to provide person-centered support

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting residents throughout the day
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds regularly and more when necessary, with proper support/equipment

This role is ideal for someone who is flexible, team-oriented, compassionate, and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with disabilities. MUST have a great attitude and be ready for a whole NEW type of setting for ALL to enjoy! 

Shift would be either: (Front End = Sun-Wed or Back End = Thur-Sat)

• Morning Shifts 7am-3pm (front end and back end)
• Evening Shifts 3pm-11pm (front end and back end)
• Overnight Shifts 11pm-7am (front end and back end)
• PRN Shifts: As Needed

With Opportunities to pick up other shifts!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person, Red Mill area of Virginia Beach

Vanguard Landing is looking for caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide nightly support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a hands-on, rewarding role where your presence makes a meaningful difference. Vanguard Landing prides itself on providing a fun, compassionate, and mission-focused work environment for our employees while creating numerous opportunities for our residents to achieve a rewarding and full life.

The pay range for this role is $17-20 an hour. We are currently hiring for start dates of April 2026 through September 2026.

This shift would be either Sunday-Wednesday 11pm - 7am or Thursday-Saturday 11pm-7am

What You'll Do:

• Assist residents and day participants with evening routines, personal care and hygiene.
• Participate in training and maintain required certifications.
• Ensure clean, safe, and welcome living environments.
• Respond to crisis situations and follow emergency protocols when needed.
• Assist with medication administration and documentation under supervision and provide mobility support, as needed.
• Above all else, participate in EXCELLENT, EMPOWERING and RESPECTFUL interactions for all residents and fellow employees. Vanguard Landing has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to distractions form cell phone use, neglect, dishonesty, and overall view of our precious Vanguard Landing citizens.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to supporting individuals with dignity.
• Ability to lift and assist individuals using proper body mechanics, if needed.
• Must be organized, able to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 6 months of experience in caregiving or completion of relevant certification.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Individualized Service Plan Documentation.
• Already CPR/First Aid certified
• Already Medication Management Certified
• Already training in Therapeutic Options

Apply today to help shape the future of inclusive living at Vanguard Landing. Where Exceptional People Live Extraordinary Lives