Culinary Operations Manager

Culinary Operations Manager

Salary: $70,000 – $75,000 per year

Schedule: Monday to Friday; weekend and evening availability required based on location needs

Location: Multiple locations across the Chicagoland area, including Northwest Side, Downtown Chicago, and Jefferson Park

Job Summary

Food For Thought is seeking a Culinary Operations Manager to lead both front- and back-of-house performance across multiple café locations. This role is responsible for driving consistency in food quality, service execution, and overall operational standards while supporting team development and client satisfaction.

You will partner closely with district leadership to implement menu initiatives, oversee daily operations, and ensure each location meets performance, safety, and hospitality expectations. This position is ideal for a hands-on leader who can balance culinary knowledge with strong business and team management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily front- and back-of-house operations across assigned café locations
• Monitor customer experience and resolve service or quality concerns in a timely manner
• Partner with the District Manager to execute menu updates, promotions, and operational initiatives
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client communication and relationship management
• Ensure full compliance with company SOPs, food safety standards, and HACCP guidelines
• Manage financial performance, including food cost, labor, and controllable expenses against budget targets
• Support hiring, training, and ongoing development of team members
• Maintain operational consistency and accountability across all assigned locations
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support business needs

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food service or hospitality management
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and reporting tools
• Valid Food Service Manager Certification and Food Allergen Certification required

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field
• Experience managing multiple locations or teams
• Strong understanding of budgeting, inventory management, and cost controls
• Passion for culinary operations with a focus on quality and innovation
• Ability to adapt and problem-solve in a dynamic environment

Why We’re the Leaders

• Excellent training
• Employee Referral bonuses
• Flexible scheduling
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive Pay
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives

Company Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  5. Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss
     • Assistance for you and household members
     • In Person Sessions
     • Unlimited phone access
• Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers
• 401K Retirement Plan
• FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
• Employee Meal Plan
• Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Collaboration & Open Communication

• Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating

• Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet

• A Net Positive Organization

Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years!

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach at or below the shoulder; lift and carry items up to 50 pounds for a moderate distance.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand and move during the length of shift; be able to bend and kneel through the shift. The employee is required to use their hands to handle tools, grasp, and control objects. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble items. The employee is continuously exposed to extreme temperatures. Working with knives, mincers, and other dangerous tools or equipment.

EEO Statement

Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

E-Verify Participation

Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.