Traveling Chef Manager

Lancer Hospitality; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical (FT Employees)

Vision

Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)

401k

Sick Time

Job summary

Lancer Hospitality is seeking a Traveling Chef Manager to join the Corporate Chefs and Lancer Hospitality team. This role oversees BOH operations across multiple accounts in the Twin Cities area, delivering innovative cuisine and on-site leadership during transitions, PTO, and vacancies.

You will stabilize operations, maintain brand standards, and drive high-quality guest experiences while reporting to the District Manager. Strong leadership and ServSafe certification are required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience (Executive Chef, Chef Manager, Food Service manager or similar).
• Strong background in multi-unit or high-volume foodservice operations is a plus.
• Proven ability to step into new environments quickly and drive results.
• ServSafe Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site culinary and managerial leadership during Chef PTO/vacation coverage, open or transitional leadership roles, and high-volume periods.
• Ensure adherence to Lancer and Corporate Chefs culinary standards, recipes, and menu programs; support rollout of seasonal menus and promotional programs.
• Lead and mentor kitchen teams; train and onboard; provide performance coaching and accountability to standards.
• Step in as acting Food Service Manager/Chef Manager when needed and maintain food safety and sanitation compliance.
• Support locations in achieving food cost control targets and identify operational gaps for immediate corrective actions.
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide reporting on operational challenges and team performance.

Skills

Culinary leadership

ServSafe Certification

Willingness to travel

Job description

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Job Reference Number: 41299
Employment Type:Full-Time,Onsite
Segment: Dining & Events
Brand: Corporate-Chefs
Location: Metropoint

The Role at a glance:

We are looking to add an experienced, motivated Traveling Chef Manager for our Corporate Chefs and Lancer Hospitality team. As a traveling chef manager, you will have the opportunity to prepare innovative cuisine and manage BOH operations. This position will be a traveling chef manager for Lancer Hospitality and Corporate Chefs units in the Twin Cities area.

The Traveling Chef Manager is a dynamic, high-impact culinary leader responsible for supporting multiple accounts across Lancer Hospitality and Corporate Chefs. This role operates as a floating chef/manager, providing on-site leadership during periods of transition, peak operating times PTO, vacations, or vacancies.

The Traveling Chef Manager serves as a stabilizer and performance driver, ensuring continuity in food quality, safety, team leadership, and client satisfaction. This individual partners closely with Chef Managers and operations leadership to uphold brand standards, execute culinary programs, and deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences and will directly report to District Manager.

What you'll be doing:

Operational Support & Coverage

Provide on-site culinary and managerial leadership during:

• Chef PTO/vacation coverage
• Open or transitional leadership roles
• High-volume or peak operating periods (POT)
• Assume full responsibility of kitchen operations including:
• Production and execution
• Staffing and scheduling
• Ordering and inventory management
• Food safety and sanitation compliance
• AR and accounting as needed – Dependent on leave status to who they are supporting

Culinary Execution & Program Support

• Execute and reinforce Lancer and Corporate Chefs culinary standards, recipes, and menu programs
• Support rollout and consistency of:
• Seasonal menus
• Promotional programs
• Partner with Chef Managers to improve:
• Menu execution
• Plate presentation
• Speed of service

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and mentorship to kitchen teams
• Support Chef Managers with:
• Training and onboarding
• Performance coaching
• Accountability to standards
• Step in as the acting Food Service Manager/Chef Manager when needed

Standards, Compliance & Financial Performance

Ensure strict adherence to:

• Company food safety and sanitation standards
• Allergen awareness and compliance protocols
• Support locations in achieving:
• Food cost control targets
• Identify operational gaps and implement immediate corrective actions

Client & Business Support

• Maintain a strong, professional presence with clients and stakeholders
• Support account teams in delivering contractual expectations and service excellence
• Provide feedback and reporting to leadership on:
• Operational challenges
• Team performance
• Opportunities for improvement

What we're looking for:

Must-haves:

• 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience (Executive Chef, Chef Manager, Food Service manager or similar)
• Strong background in multi-unit or high-volume foodservice operations is a plus
• Proven ability to step into new environments quickly and drive results
• ServSafe Certification
• Willingness to travel frequently across assigned regions

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in contract foodservice, hospitality, corporate dining, or attractions (zoos, museums, venues)
• Experience with menu development and program execution
• Previously worked in a corporate culinary structure

Compensation Range

$60,000-65,000/yr. dependent on experience. #LIGG1 #boost

• Medical (FT Employees)
• Vision
• Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• Discount Program
• Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit)
• EAP
• 401k
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
• Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
• Paid Time Off

About Corporate Chefs:

Offering foodservice management services to businesses across 17 states and the District of Columbia, Corporate Chefs is an on-site restaurant company that works to provide excellent dining solutions to our clients. With over 30 years of industry experience, we pride ourselves on cooking every meal from scratch, sourcing our ingredients locally, and focusing on the health and wellbeing of our clients.

About Elior North America:

Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.

At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you’ve gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.

Disclaimer: This job description can be revised by management as needed.