Lead Dietitian

Position Overview:The Lead Dietitian is responsible for providing strategic, professional, and operational leadership for dietetic services across the hospital and its satellite clinics. The post holder will be accountable for the smooth running of both inpatient and outpatient dietetic services, ensuring high standards of clinical care, patient safety, and service quality. This role involves developing and implementing dietetic standards in line with organizational key performance indicators, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations, Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) standards, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements. The Lead Dietitian will also provide professional leadership and mentorship to the dietetic team, supporting service development, performance improvement, and staff growth. In addition, the role will work closely with catering services to ensure patients’ clinical nutrition needs are consistently met and maintained, contributing to safe, effective, and patient-centered care delivery.Key Accountabilities: Clinical ResponsibilitiesEnsure smooth delivery of inpatient and outpatient dietetic services, based on evidence-based practiceAssess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient nutrition needs, including enteral feeding servicesCommunicate effectively with patients, families, and carers, respecting confidentiality, dignity, culture, and beliefsProvide health education to patients and families to promote healthy lifestylesMaintain accurate patient records in line with DHA and organizational standardsLeadership & Professional ResponsibilitiesProvide professional leadership to the dietetic team, supporting and supervising junior staffConduct training, induction, and appraisals; ensure compliance with statutory/mandatory trainingRepresent the dietetic profession in MDT meetings and working groupSupport practice development, audits, and research to strengthen evidence-based carPromote dietetic services within the organization and wider communityOperational & Administrative ResponsibilitiesOrganising daily, weekly, and monthly team scheduleOversee hospital catering standards to meet clinical nutrition requirementsManage stock levels and requisitions for nutritional productsEnsure safe use of all dietetic equipment and compliance with infection controlPrepare diet sheets, teaching materials, and service literatureMaintain statistical records for service evaluation and improvementCommunication & CollaborationWork collaboratively with physicians, nurses, catering, and MDT colleagues to deliver holistic careUse effective communication skills to engage patients and families, often dealing with complex or sensitive informationEducation, Qualification and ExperienceEducation & QualificationsDubai Health Authority (DHA) licenseBachelor’s degree Dietetics or Bachelor’s degree in a related health science field with a concentration in dietetics and Post-graduate training (Master’s degree or equivalent) in DieteticsExperienceMinimum 4 years of relevant experience in a related fieldFor Managerial roles, at least 2 years of experience in a Senior role within healthcare administration or hospital support services