Traveling Culinary Support Chef

Traveling Support Chef

Personal Touch Food Service, Inc. is seeking an experienced and adaptable Traveling Support Chef to provide hands-on culinary and operational support across multiple foodservice locations.

This position will travel between a variety of operations, including USDA school nutrition programs, private schools, residential facilities, universities, and commissary/central production kitchens.

The Traveling Support Chef will assist with food preparation and production, menu and recipe execution, staff training, special projects, and day-to-day operational needs.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary professional who can quickly adapt to different kitchens and teams, maintain high standards for food quality and safety, and provide support wherever it is needed.

Requirements

Travel to assigned locations to provide hands-on culinary and operational support.

Prepare and produce food according to established menus, standardized recipes, and quality standards.

Assist with high-volume food production, meal service, special events, and menu implementations.

Provide culinary training and coaching to cooks and foodservice staff.

Help teams improve food quality, consistency, presentation, production methods, and kitchen efficiency.

Assist with staffing shortages, operational challenges, and other short-term support needs.

Work effectively in a variety of environments, including schools, universities, and commissary production facilities.

Follow USDA meal pattern requirements and applicable nutrition standards in school nutrition operations.

Maintain proper food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and ServSafe practices.

Ensure proper cooking, cooling, holding, storage, and handling of food.

Assist with inventory, food storage, production records, temperature logs, and other operational documentation as needed.

Communicate operational needs, challenges, and recommendations to unit and company leadership.

Represent Personal Touch Food Service professionally at all assigned locations.

Qualifications

Previous professional culinary or foodservice experience required.

High-volume or institutional foodservice experience preferred.

Experience with standardized recipes and large-scale food production preferred.

Knowledge of USDA school nutrition programs is a plus.

ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.

Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.

Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to quickly adapt to different kitchens, equipment, menus, and teams.

Professional attitude with a strong commitment to food quality and service.

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Physical & Travel Requirements

Regular travel between multiple company locations throughout Western New York is required.

Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.

Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.

Schedule may vary based on the needs of assigned locations, including early morning starts.

Personal Touch Food Service