Nealy Pierce is partnering exclusively with Cookeville Regional Medical Center, a 250+ bed nonprofit, independent community hospital, to recruit aDirector of Food & Nutrition Services .This opportunity is open due to a planned retirement in early 2026 - a stable, well-supported leadership transition with strong executive backing.
About the Position:- Reports directly to the COOLeads 100+ employees with established manager/supervisory support
- Full in-house Food & Nutrition Services (no contract foodservice)$2M+ café + ~1.1M meal equivalents annually
- Full Room Service model supporting acute care, rehab & children’s services
- Successful Candidates Will Bring
- Registered Dietitian (RD) required
- Tennessee licensure (or ability to obtain)5+ years supervisory and budgetary experience in acute care
- Experience leading both clinical nutrition and foodservice operations
- Strong financial acumen with a collaborative leadership style
- Ability to bring fresh ideas, including menu enhancements
- Excellent soft skills with the ability to hold teams accountable
- Regulatory readiness and food safety experience
- Clean driving record required (must be insurable)
Compensation & Benefits:- Attractive compensation package designed for experienced Food & Nutrition leaders
- Relocation assistance available
- Comprehensive full benefits package, generous PTO & retirement
- No state income tax
- Why Cookeville?
Cookeville sits between Nashville and Knoxville along I-40 and offers scenic parks, lakes, waterfalls, a vibrant downtown, strong schools, and a welcoming community - plus academic energy from Tennessee Technological University .
