Food Service Operations Support Manager

Food Service Operations Support Manager

The Operations Support Manager (Operations & Culinary) serves as a key operational leader supporting multiple senior living communities throughout Kansas and Missouri. Reporting to the Regional Director of Operations, this position provides hands-on operational, culinary, and leadership support to assigned locations while partnering closely with Area Managers, Food Service Directors, Executive Chefs, and community leadership teams to ensure operational excellence, exceptional resident satisfaction, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and team engagement. The Operations Support Manager is responsible for providing interim operational leadership during management vacancies, assisting with new account transitions, supporting community openings and mobilizations, coaching management teams, implementing company initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across culinary operations. This role requires extensive travel and the flexibility to provide leadership wherever operational needs exist. This is not a remote role.

Actively supporting and applying all company and facility policies and procedures. Ensuring the highest quality of service to our customers and clients. Visiting assigned facilities as directed. Acting as the facility food service director in the event of FSD absences, staff shortages, etc. Offering guidance to managers in the disciplines of operations, finances, human resources, and client relationships.

Must-haves: Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience in foodservice operations, culinary management, hospitality, healthcare dining, senior living, or long-term care. Demonstrated experience leading both culinary and operational teams. Strong knowledge of food production, purchasing, inventory management, food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance. Experience managing financial performance including food cost, labor cost, budgeting, and financial reporting. Excellent leadership, coaching, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities. Strong customer service and client relationship management skills. Ability to organize multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to travel extensively throughout Kansas and Missouri with overnight travel as needed.

Nice-to-haves: Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Foodservice Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Executive Chef (CEC), ServSafe Manager Certification, or similar professional certification. Experience supporting multiple locations within senior living, healthcare, or contract dining services. Experience with startup mobilizations, account transitions, and interim operational leadership.