2027 Summer Camp Kitchen Manager / Head Chef

Wolfoods; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Bonus

Free Room & Board

Travel Allowance

Job summary

Wolfoods is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager for a hands-on, on-site leadership role at a rural summer camp. This seasonal contract runs May through September, with full-time, exempt duties and a live-in setup.

You will supervise kitchen operations, staff, budgeting, and allergen safety in a fast-paced camp environment. Responsibilities include staffing, food prep, portion control, allergy protocols, inventory management, and liaison with campers and Wolfoods leadership.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in a commercial kitchen leadership role with scratch and institutional/batch cooking experience.
• ServSafe Manager Certified with Allergens requirement (company-sponsored).

Responsibilities

• Operations & Leadership: lead, schedule, and train kitchen staff; foster a high-energy environment.
• Culinary & Quality Excellence: manage operational flow, portions, menu specs, scratch cooking, and timely meal service.
• Allergen & Safety Compliance: manage allergy protocols (Kosher, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan) and sanitation standards.
• Administration & Budget: oversee inventory, orders, budgets, and daily reporting.
• Client Relations: act as liaison between kitchen, campers, camp leadership, and Wolfoods office.

Skills

Strong leadership

Computer literacy

Budgeting

Problem solving

Job description

Kitchen Manager

• Position Type: Seasonal Contract (May - Sept)


• Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt (minimum 6 days / 70 hours per week)


• Location: On-site (Rural Summer Camp facilities across the US)


• Perks Included: Competitive Pay, Bonus, Free Room & Board, Travel Allowance

About Wolfoods

Wolfoods is elevating camp dining by replacing standard freezer fare with fresh, high-quality, scratch-cooked cuisine. We serve vibrant summer camp communities across the country while providing exceptional care for dietary restrictions, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced, high-energy Kitchen Manager for a hands-on leadership position. You will oversee all daily culinary, staff management, budgeting, and allergen safety at a top-tier summer camp.

This is an on-site, live-in position in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Leadership: Lead, schedule, and train kitchen staff; foster a high-energy, positive environment.


• Culinary & Quality Excellence: Operational flow, portion control, menu specs, scratch cooking execution, and timely meal service.


• Allergen & Safety Compliance: Strictly manage food allergy protocols (Kosher, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, etc.) and maintain top Health Department sanitation standards.


• Administration & Budget: Manage inventory, place food orders, control budgets, track daily reporting.


• Client Relations: Serve as the main liaison between kitchen operations, campers, camp leadership and Wolfoods corporate office.

Qualifications

• Experience: 4+ years in a commercial kitchen leadership role with scratch and institutional/batch cooking experience.


• Certifications: ServSafe Manager Certified (ServSafe Allergens required before start date; company-sponsored).


• Skills: Strong leadership, high computer literacy, budgeting capability, and sharp problem-solving abilities.


• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, work in hot/cold kitchen settings, and lift up to 50 lbs.


• Lifestyle: Ready to live on-site in a rustic setting, work a demanding minimum 6-day/70-hour week, and thrive under pressure.

What We Offer

• Competitive seasonal pay + performance bonus structure


• Full room and board provided for the duration of the contract


• Travel expense assistance


• Opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a unique, vibrant camp community

Wolfoods Food Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.