• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM, CFPP)
• Food Protection Manager
• Dietary Manager

Other job titles that you might see in a clinical setting include:

• Nutrition Services Director
• Clinical Nutrition Manager
• Director of Dietary Services

The job duties of a Certified Dietary Manager can include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinating the facility’s food service program
• Hiring, training, and supervising all food service employees
• Adhering to nutritional guidelines, policies, and food service budget
• Maintaining appropriate food inventory
• Ordering and preparing food
• Having in-depth knowledge of food safety laws
• Ensuring compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), local health department regulations, and employer/facility policies and procedures
• Maintaining food quality control
• Demonstrating a thorough understanding of foodborne pathogens, cross-contamination and allergen management
• Attending food service committee/advisory meetings and distributing food committee meeting minutes  
• Nutrition documentation, including assessments and care plans in healthcare settings
• Audits of kitchen sanitation, temperature logs, and infection control procedures
• Designing and implementing menus
• Coordinating food service for special events and activities
  

In addition to completing the above daily job duties, a successful dietary manager should have excellent communication skills and leadership skills. To help ensure seamless daily operations, a dietary management professional should communicate with all nutrition services staff, especially in delivering clear verbal and written communication (such as protocols for food safety).

A stellar dietary manager will communicate effectively while working in conjunction with the on-site Registered Dietitian (RD), if applicable, so that everyone understands their roles and expectations, ultimately leading to safe and efficient service.

Because of the fast-paced environment, Certified Dietary Managers must have exceptional time management skills, especially when working at a large facility like a hospital where there are set mealtimes with a large amount of guests. 

The outlook for dietary manager jobs is good! 

Typically, Dietary Managers and CDMs will serve as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in healthcare settings like hospitals or long-term care (LTC). When working in a healthcare setting, a dietary manager can expect to coordinate directly with a Registered Dietitian and speech therapist to accommodate patients and residents. Additionally, CDMs might pursue careers in restaurants, cafeterias (for example, in dining halls at colleges or universities), or correctional facilities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for food service managers was $63,000+ as of May 2023, which breaks down to about $30/hour. Of course, this will vary by state and setting. 

Additionally, BLS notes that about 39,600 openings for food service managers are projected each year, on average, from 2022 to 2032.

According to Glassdoor, as of June 2024, the average salary range for a dietary manager in the United States is $54,966. This includes positions across all industries 
Did you know that dietary managers are in-demand for interim or contract work? If you are open to short-term travel, consider packing your bags and heading to the west coast or east coast. As of 2024, the states where Certified Dietary Managers earn the highest salaries are California, New Hampshire, and Washington.

Still have questions about the job duties of a CDM? The Certifying Board of Dietary Managers (CBDM) has a sample job description that includes business operations management, foodservice management, sanitation and food safety, nutrition, personnel management, general knowledge and skills, education requirements and physical demands.

Additionally, individuals can download the CDM Scope of Practice PDF here.

Continuing Education (CEs) for Certified Dietary Managers
Dietary professionals who hold the CDM, CFPP credential must pay an annual renewal fee (due August 31 every year) and complete 45 hours of CEs every three years. It’s important to note that of these 45 continuing education credits, nine hours in Sanitation and Safety are required, as well as one CE on Professional Ethics.

Certified Dietary Managers should report their CE hours by uploading the required documentation for each CE activity. CEs must be at least 30 minutes long. Log in at www.ANFPonline.org to self-report continuing education and upload the required documentation.

📌Need a complete guide on CDM, CFPP Recertification? Download the free PDF here.

LeaderStat helps the nation’s top long-term care and senior living organizations fill dietary manager positions. Our senior living industry recruiters can be an invaluable resource to help you find the right dietary management job, including interim and permanent roles for Certified Dietary Managers (CDMs) and Food Services Directors.