Director Nutrition and Food (Registered Dietitian)

Nealy Pierce is partnering exclusively with Cookeville Regional Medical Center , a 250+ bed nonprofit, independent community hospital, to recruit a Director 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 COO

• Leads 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 .