Operations Manager - Food Service Start Up

Job Description

Job Description

Operations Manager – Food Service Start Up

Position Overview

As the Operations Manager at Indy On the Hook Fish and Chips , you will be a key leader responsible for ensuring the successful daily operation, growth, and scalability of our food truck business. This hands-on role requires a highly organized, dependable, and proactive individual who can manage people, processes, inventory, logistics, and operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.

You will work closely with ownership to build and improve operational systems while ensuring our food trucks consistently deliver excellent quality, service, and customer experiences.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on, solving problems, developing teams, and helping build a growing business.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Employee Management

• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and support food truck team members.
• Develop and maintain effective staffing plans across multiple food truck locations.
• Create and manage employee schedules to ensure proper coverage and operational efficiency.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and employee support.
• Address employee concerns, performance issues, and disciplinary matters professionally and consistently.
• Foster a positive team culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and exceptional customer service.
• Maintain employee training records and ensure team members understand company expectations and procedures.

Food Truck Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of multiple food trucks to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and customer service standards.
• Conduct regular truck visits to inspect operations, support employees, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Perform operational audits including:
• Food preparation procedures
• Cleanliness and organization
• Equipment functionality
• Safety practices
• Inventory levels
• Customer service standards
• Assist with troubleshooting operational issues and coordinate solutions quickly to minimize downtime.

Truck Maintenance & Fleet Coordination

• Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules for food trucks and equipment.
• Track repairs, maintenance needs, inspections, and vendor communication.
• Respond quickly to unexpected equipment or truck issues.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records to support reliable operations.
• Coordinate with repair vendors and service providers as needed.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Manage inventory processes across all food truck locations.
• Conduct inventory checks and monitor product usage.
• Establish and maintain inventory procedures to reduce waste and prevent shortages.
• Place orders for ingredients, supplies, and operational equipment.
• Coordinate inventory transfers and restocking needs between locations.
• Maintain accurate inventory records.

Administrative & Business Support

• Assist with payroll processing, including reviewing employee hours and resolving discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate employee, payroll, inventory, and operational records.
• Upload receipts, organize expense documentation, and assist with expense tracking.
• Support basic reporting related to labor, inventory, expenses, and operations.
• Help develop and improve company processes as the business grows.

Qualifications & Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience managing employees in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop team members.
• Experience creating schedules and managing staffing needs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions independently.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and expense tracking.
• Comfort working in a startup environment where processes are continuously improving.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with ownership, employees, vendors, and customers.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn business systems for payroll, inventory, scheduling, and reporting.

Preferred Experience

• Restaurant, food service, hospitality, or retail operations experience.
• Experience managing multiple locations or mobile operations.
• Experience with food safety standards and quality assurance.
• Experience troubleshooting equipment or coordinating maintenance.
• Experience working in a startup or growth-focused company.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel between food truck locations as needed.
• Ability to pass background screening, including drug and alcohol testing.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Schedule & Compensation

Employment Type: Full-Time Salaried Position
Expected Hours: Approximately 40–60 hours per week depending on business needs
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday with flexibility based on operational requirements
Travel: Local and occasional travel required for training and operational support

At Indy On the Hook Fish and Chips , we are building more than a food truck business—we are building a team and operational foundation for long-term growth. The right person will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, help shape our processes, and grow with the company.