Food Service Manager

This role requires a leader who is operationally strong, highly accountable, and willing to lead from the front. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with a lean team, stepping into day-to-day operations when needed, and finding creative solutions to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

Food Service Manager (Confidential Search)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Food Service Manager to oversee all aspects of a multi-site food service operation. This is not a desk-only leadership role. The successful candidate will be expected to actively engage in daily kitchen operations, lead by example, and ensure high standards of food quality, safety, customer service, and fiscal responsibility.

This position requires a disciplined, regimented leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can maximize limited resources, and is willing to roll up their sleeves to support operations whenever necessary. Candidates must be comfortable working alongside staff, assisting with food preparation, inventory management, cleaning, training, and special events to ensure operational success.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee daily food service operations across multiple facilities.

• Lead, coach, train, develop, and hold staff accountable for performance, productivity, and service standards.

• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and retain food service personnel.

• Create work schedules, assign responsibilities, and ensure adequate staffing coverage.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Manage departmental operating budgets and expenses.

• Monitor food costs, labor costs, and inventory levels to ensure financial targets are achieved.

• Review invoices, ensure proper coding and documentation, and maintain accurate records.

• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency without compromising quality.

Food Service Operations

• Develop and implement nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective menus.

• Order food, supplies, and equipment while maintaining budgetary control.

• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to established quality, safety, and consistency standards.

• Maintain proper inventory controls and conduct regular inventory counts and audits.

Compliance & Safety

• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local health regulations and food safety standards.

• Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure all facilities meet sanitation and operational requirements.

• Lead food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety training initiatives.

• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe working environment at all times.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal departments and external stakeholders to support organizational goals and special events.

• Coordinate food service operations for conferences, celebrations, special programs, and large-scale functions.

• Leverage available resources creatively to maximize efficiency and service levels.

Hands-On Leadership Expectations

• Work directly in kitchen operations when staffing levels or business needs require.

• Assist with food preparation, cooking, serving, inventory management, receiving deliveries, cleaning, and other operational duties as necessary.

• Lead by example during high-volume periods, staffing shortages, and special events.

• Demonstrate a willingness to perform any task required to ensure successful operation of the department.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality Management, Business Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 2 years of food service management experience in a high-volume environment.

• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development experience.

• Experience managing budgets, inventory, purchasing, and food costs.

• Working knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance requirements.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

• Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Food Protection Manager or equivalent food safety certification.

• Experience overseeing multiple kitchen locations or large-scale food service operations.

• Experience managing diverse teams in resource-conscious environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be:

• Highly disciplined and process-driven.

• Comfortable working in a lean staffing environment.

• Resourceful and creative in solving operational challenges.

• Willing to be hands-on and actively involved in day-to-day kitchen activities.

• Able to maintain high standards despite limited resources.

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Capable of motivating teams while maintaining clear performance expectations.

• Comfortable making tough decisions and addressing performance issues promptly.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily works within a commercial kitchen environment.

• Exposure to varying temperatures, including refrigerators, freezers, and hot cooking areas.

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Regular bending, stooping, lifting, carrying, and moving items up to 40 pounds.

• Must be able to safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment.

• Schedule flexibility required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special event support when needed.

What Success Looks Like

• Safe, compliant, and efficient kitchen operations.

• Consistent delivery of high-quality meals and service.

• Strong cost controls and budget management.

• High team accountability and productivity.

• Effective operation despite staffing limitations or resource constraints.

• A leader who is willing to do whatever is necessary to support the team and ensure operational excellence every day.

This is an opportunity for a highly driven food service professional who thrives in a hands-on leadership role and is committed to operational excellence, accountability, and delivering results.

Pay Details: $60,000.00 to $65,000.00 per year

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.