Operational Support Chef — Travel & High-Volume Kitchen Lead

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc.; Fort Knox (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc. is seeking an experienced, hands-on Operational Support Chef to join our Fort Knox, Kentucky team.

The role supports kitchen performance, high-volume production, food quality, safety compliance, and daily execution in fast-paced contract dining environments. The ideal candidate has strong production leadership, deep knowledge of food safety, and the ability to travel extensively to cover locations and shifts.

Qualifications

• Proven culinary leadership in high-volume contract dining or institutional settings.
• Deep knowledge of food safety, HACCP and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-demand operations.
• Strong communication and people management skills.
• Excellent organizational and team leadership abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively for coverage and support needs.
• Military food service experience strongly preferred; ServSafe or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational culinary support across high-volume contract dining locations.
• Travel extensively to support coverage needs, transitions, and staffing gaps.
• Lead high-volume food production and service execution with quality and speed.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Train, coach, and share best practices with kitchen teams.
• Assist with menu execution, batch cooking, station organization, and labor efficiency.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and stabilize performance during staffing gaps.
• Monitor product handling, storage, labeling, temperatures, and sanitation procedures.
• Collaborate with leadership to maintain client satisfaction and operational excellence.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Team leadership

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc. is seeking an experienced, hands-on Operational Support Chef to join our Fort Knox, Kentucky team.

The role supports kitchen performance, high-volume production, food quality, safety compliance, and daily execution in fast-paced contract dining environments. The ideal candidate has strong production leadership, deep knowledge of food safety, and the ability to travel extensively to cover locations and shifts.