Clinical Nutrition Manager III - Healthcare
Company : Sodexo
Location : Des Moines, IA
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo has an exciting and transformative opportunity for a System Clinical Nutrition Manager with Unity Point Health in various markets in the Iowa and Western Illinois Regions. This role will lead strategic nutrition initiatives to meet client expectations, support operational excellence by aligning patient care protocols and policies, regulatory standards and Sodexo's Core Values. This position will be a trusted advisor to the client partnership and key to delivering clinical outcomes. Position requires some travel to the various hospitals and will allow for some flexible work schedule with remote opportunities.
Incentives
Reimbursement of Academy Dues, CDR and LicensureWhat You'll Do
- Assess, develop and implement regional nutrition strategies aligned with Sodexo and Unity Point Health goals
- Provide guidance and expertise to onsite dietitians ensuring compliance and excellence in service delivery
- Lead in efforts to identify gaps of opportunities and work towards standardization across the system
- Possess the ability to creatively problem solve, work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions while working within a self-directed work environment
- Responsible for assessing inpatient and outpatient clinical programs
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
- Assess, develop and implement regional nutrition strategies aligned with Sodexo and Unity Point Health goals
- Provide guidance and expertise to onsite dietitians ensuring compliance and excellence in service delivery
- Lead in efforts to identify gaps of opportunities and work towards standardization across the system
- Possess the ability to creatively problem solve, work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions while working within a self-directed work environment
- Responsible for assessing inpatient and outpatient clinical programs
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement:
Master's degree with completion of required coursework and supervised practice as dictated by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
For those eligible for the registration exam prior to 1/1/24:
Bachelor's degree with completion of required coursework and supervised practice as dictated by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Credentials Requirement:
Meets eligibility requirements for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and will become registered within 120 days of hire. In some states and/or facilities the RD/RDN credentials is required at the time of hireCertification/licensure as required by state(s) of practice. In some states and/or facilities state certification/licensure is required at the time of hire
Minimum Management Experience: 6 years experience of planning, managing and organizing resources within short/medium timeframes within the overall policy framework Minimum Functional Experience: 5 years as experienced specialized practitioner able to work unsupervised and provide professional supervision to specialists.
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Frequently asked questions
In Des Moines, clinical nutrition managers often benefit from holding RD/RDN credentials alongside state-specific licensure. Local hospitals and healthcare systems prioritize accredited certifications aligning with Iowa regulations to ensure compliance and high patient care standards.
Des Moines presents a moderately competitive environment for clinical nutrition management, driven by regional healthcare expansions. Candidates with extensive management experience and specialized credentials tend to have an edge due to demand in hospital nutrition program leadership.
Clinical Nutrition Managers at level III typically demonstrate advanced leadership capabilities, including strategic planning, cross-facility standardization, and mentorship of dietitians. They combine clinical expertise with operational management, setting them apart from general nutritionists focused solely on patient care.
Yes, professionals at this level can progress toward director-level roles or specialized consultancy positions. Growth often involves expanding influence on regional nutrition policies and engaging in interdisciplinary healthcare leadership, which broadens impact beyond daily clinical operations.
Daily activities blend strategic oversight with hands-on program evaluation, guidance to dietitians, and collaborative meetings with clinical teams. This role balances patient care protocol alignment with administrative duties, often requiring problem-solving and travel between facilities.
Sodexo positions clinical nutrition managers as key advisors who shape nutrition strategy and compliance across partnered hospital systems like UnityPoint Health. These managers help standardize care protocols and lead initiatives that align with both Sodexo’s values and client expectations.
Beyond competitive compensation, Sodexo provides perks such as reimbursement for professional dues, licensure support, wellness programs, and tuition assistance. This comprehensive benefits package reflects their commitment to fostering career growth and work-life balance in healthcare nutrition roles.
Salaries for Clinical Nutrition Manager III positions in Des Moines typically range between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, reflecting local cost of living and healthcare sector standards. This is generally competitive with national figures, especially considering added benefits and regional demand.
Managing diverse teams across facilities requires balancing standardized nutrition protocols with local patient needs. Challenges include coordinating remote staff, navigating regulatory differences, and driving consistent quality while supporting innovation in clinical nutrition services.
By implementing evidence-based nutrition strategies and ensuring dietitian compliance with care standards, these managers directly influence recovery rates and patient satisfaction. Their leadership fosters integrated nutrition care plans that support overall clinical goals in hospital environments.