Food Truck Manager

donovan advertising; Lancaster (Lancaster County); Hybrid; USD 66,960 - 89,280; Full time

Job summary

donovan advertising is seeking an Experiential Food Truck Manager to oversee the operations of a mobile food unit traveling throughout the Eastern U.S. This role blends culinary skills with event logistics and customer service, requiring a dynamic leader who can manage staff and deliver a high-quality brand experience.

The ideal candidate has culinary training, a valid U.S. driver's license, and a Food Manager Certification. The role involves extensive travel from June 1 to November 30, 2026, with compensation ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 per month based on experience.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of culinary experience in a fast-paced environment is a plus.
• Must have Food Manager Certification.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Mobile Food Unit trailer to event locations.
• Prep and cook menu items according to established standards.
• Manage and order all event support materials and supplies.

Skills

Culinary experience

Event logistics

Customer service

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Food Manager Certification (e.g., ServSafe)

Tools

High-volume culinary equipment

Job description

The Experiential Food Truck Manager leads the day-to-day operation of a traveling mobile food unit and branded culinary experience. This hands-on role blends food service, event logistics, team leadership, mobile unit operations, customer service, and brand representation.

Working closely with agency partners and the client marketing team, this person will travel throughout the Eastern U.S. to execute festivals, community events, and branded activations. The ideal candidate is road-ready, hospitality-minded, operationally sharp, and comfortable leading every part of the experience, from towing and setup to food prep, service, staffing, cleanup, reporting, and guest engagement.

This role is ideal for someone with culinary experience, a strong sense of adventure, and the ability to manage multiple moving pieces while creating a positive, professional, and memorable experience for guests.

The Ideal Candidate

You are part chef, part road warrior, part event lead, and part brand ambassador. You can cook for a crowd, lead a temporary team, solve problems quickly, and keep the experience moving without losing the guest-focused energy that makes events successful.

Key Responsibilities

Event Operations

• Drive the Mobile Food Unit trailer to event locations. Trailer towing experience is a plus.
• Must pass DOT testing and medical requirements.
• Set up and tear down the Mobile Food Unit and event display at multiple events throughout the year.
• Adhere to event setup requirements, hours, rules, and site expectations.
• Manage event logistics for current and upcoming events.
• Be comfortable with overnight travel and being on the road for weeks at a time.

Culinary Execution

• Prep and cook menu items according to established standards.
• Serve large crowds throughout the day in a fast-paced event environment.
• Properly store food in designated areas using correct dating and labeling procedures.
• Follow approved food production standards to ensure quality, proper serving temperatures, and standard portion control.
• Safely operate and maintain high-volume culinary equipment, including but not limited to the grill, oven, generator, and propane tanks.

Mobile Unit Maintenance, Safety, and Compliance

• Properly clean and maintain the Mobile Food Unit after each event.
• Follow the truck and food unit maintenance schedule.
• Permit the Mobile Food Unit for all events.
• Follow all food handling, Department of Health, and health code requirements.
• Find and utilize local kitchen commissaries as needed.
• Hire, recruit, train, and supervise per diem event staff, including cooks, servers, and brand ambassadors throughout the year.
• Work with agency event coordinator for scheduled events during the contracted time.
• Lead teams in a positive, professional, and guest-focused manner.

Inventory, Supplies, and Reporting

• Manage and order all event support materials and supplies related to the Mobile Food Unit, including ingredients, product, cleaning supplies, and other event needs.
• Accurately record inventory usage.
• Track expenses and complete monthly billing reports.
• Track, analyze, document, and communicate event results to leadership teams.

Brand and Guest Experience

• Represent the company with professionalism, energy, and a friendly attitude.
• Serve customers efficiently and create a positive guest experience.
• Act as an on-site brand ambassador at festivals, events, and activations.

Qualifications

• Guaranteed six month contract (1099) position from June 1 – November 30, 2026.
• Must be able to pass a DOT Test and Medical Certification.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and safe driving record within the last three years (open to discussion).
• Must have Food Manager Certification (ex: ServSafe).
• 3 - 5 years of culinary experience in a fast-paced environment is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize while under pressure.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including irregular hours, nights, and weekends.
• Must be comfortable with overnight travel and extended time on the road.
• Pass drug tests, in accordance with company policy.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Compensation

• $6,000 - $8,000 per month based on experience.
• Must be available June 1 – November 30, 2026.