Dining/Catering Manager

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Reston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SOS International LLC is seeking a Dining & Catering Manager to oversee food service operations for deployed teams and SOSi facilities. You will manage menu planning, production, safety compliance, and customer service in both routine and emergency contexts.

The role requires leadership of dining staff, coordination with vendors, and the ability to handle high‑volume meal service while maintaining regulatory standards and budgets.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in culinary arts and/or certificate.
• 7 years experience in food service management, catering operations, or institutional dining.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and meal production processes.
• Ability to manage high‑volume or mission‑critical food service environments.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating with vendors or contractors.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• May have to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Secret clearance (depending on customer).
• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts is preferred.
• 10 years experience supporting emergency response, disaster relief, or remote feeding operations.
• Background in federal programs (HHS/ASPR, FEMA, DoD) or large‑scale logistics environments.
• Certifications such as ServSafe Manager, CFPM, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily dining operations, catering services, and meal production for SOSi facilities and deployed teams.
• Coordinate rapid-response catering and meal distribution during emergency activations.
• Manage relationships with food service vendors, caterers, and supply providers.
• Supervise dining staff, kitchen personnel, and catering teams; ensure food safety certifications.
• Maintain documentation for audits, inspections, and ASPR reporting requirements.
• Develop meal plans, production schedules, and catering strategies for routine and emergency operations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem solving

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree in culinary arts or certificate

Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts

Job description

Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.

Job Description

Overview

SOS International LLC is seeking a skilled Dining & Catering Manager to oversee food service operations. This role ensures deployed personnel, response teams, and mission support staff receive safe, high‑quality meals during routine operations and emergency activations.

The Dining & Catering Manager plays a critical role in sustaining workforce readiness and supporting the health, morale, and operational effectiveness of the teams.

Duties:

• Food Service Operations: Manages daily dining operations, catering services, and meal production for SOSi facilities and deployed teams. Oversees menu planning, food preparation, portioning, and service delivery to meet nutritional and operational requirements. Ensures compliance with food safety standards, sanitation protocols, and regulatory requirements (FDA Food Code, ServSafe, etc.).
• Emergency Response Support: Coordinates rapid‑response catering and meal distribution during emergency activations. Supports field operations by organizing mobile feeding units, boxed meals, and surge feeding capabilities. Adjusts meal service schedules and production levels to meet changing mission demands.
• Vendor & Contractor Coordination: Manages relationships with food service vendors, caterers, and supply providers. Oversees procurement of food, beverages, and dining supplies. Monitors vendor performance, service agreements, and delivery timelines.
• Staff Leadership & Training: Supervises dining staff, kitchen personnel, and catering teams. Ensures staff maintain required food safety certifications and training. Establishes performance expectations and promotes a culture of safety, quality, and customer service.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Conducts routine inspections of kitchens, dining areas, and food storage facilities. Maintains documentation for audits, inspections, and ASPR reporting requirements. Implements corrective actions to address safety, quality, or operational issues.
• Planning & Administration: Develops meal plans, production schedules, and catering strategies for routine and emergency operations. Manages budgets, inventory, and cost controls for food service operations. Provides operational updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to program leadership.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in culinary arts and/or certificate.
• 7 years experience in food service management, catering operations, or institutional dining.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and meal production processes.
• Ability to manage high‑volume or mission‑critical food service environments.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating with vendors or contractors.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• May have to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Secret clearance (depending on customer).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts.
• 10 years experience supporting emergency response, disaster relief, or remote feeding operations.
• Background in federal programs (HHS/ASPR, FEMA, DoD) or large‑scale logistics environments.
• Certifications such as ServSafe Manager, CFPM, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting mobile kitchens or deployable feeding capabilities.

Additional Information

• Travel to emergency sites is required.

Working at SOSi

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.

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