Food Operations Manager

The Food Operations Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of food service delivery under the Baghdad Life Support Services (BLiSS) contract in support of the U.S. Department of State. This position will directly manage and operate the food program including staffing, training, procurement, compliance, and day-to-day dining operations. The Manager will oversee a workforce to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality food service across multiple sites, ensuring compliance with U.S. Embassy standards, FDA requirements, and contractual obligations.  Must have an Active Secret Clearance. This position will report directly to the BLiSS Program Manager.

DUTIES:

Food Service Operations Cradle to Grave:

· Plan, organize, and oversee all phases of food service operations including meal card procurement, issuance and system, menu planning, meal preparation, dining facility operations, sanitation, and service delivery.

· Manage full food supply chain lifecycle from forecasting and ordering, through shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution to site dining facilities.

· Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for safe food handling, kitchen safety, equipment maintenance, and waste management.

· Recruit, hire, and onboard a large multi-national workforce.

· Provide employee relations leadership including food operations performance management, employee engagement, disciplinary actions, and compliance with local labor laws.

· Implement continuous training and professional development programs (food safety, SERV Safe, HACCP, customer service, kitchen operations).

· Ensure compliance with U.S. FDA regulations, Department of State standards, Embassy Health Unit requirements, and local food safety laws.

· Lead inspections, quality audits, and corrective action plans.

· Maintain strict adherence to HACCP principles and U.S. Embassy food compliance protocols.

· Manage sourcing, procurement, and contracting with international food vendors and suppliers.

· Coordinate import logistics including diplomatic notes for food shipments, customs clearances, and compliance with Iraqi regulations.

· Monitor vendor performance, quality standards, and supply continuity.

· Develop and manage food operations budgets including forecasting, cost control, and variance analysis.

· Prepare reports, key performance metrics, and briefings for Amentum leadership and U.S. Embassy stakeholders.

· Ensure full compliance with BLiSS contractual deliverables and reporting requirements.

· Act as primary liaison to the U.S. Embassy Food Advisory Board (FAB), U.S. Embassy Logistics Management Center (LMC), General Services Office (GSO), and Contracting Officer's Representatives (COR/ACOR) for food services.

· Ensure continuous communication with Embassy officials regarding menu planning, dietary needs, and service satisfaction.

· Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and special requests with professionalism and efficiency.

· Analyze operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality.

· Implement modern food service technologies, inventory systems, and process automation where applicable.

· Lead contingency planning for emergencies such as supply chain disruptions, food recalls, or security incidents.

REQUIRED:

Clearance:

· Active Secret Clearance

Experience:

· Minimum seven (10) years of progressive leadership experience managing large-scale food operations, preferably in contingency, OCONUS, or government support environments.

· Experience with direct-hire workforce management including HR, training, and employee relations.

· Proven track record managing food service operations serving 1,000+ personnel per day.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Advanced knowledge of food supply chain, menu planning, HACCP, SERV Safe, and FDA compliance.

· Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and manage a diverse workforce.

· Expertise in procurement, vendor management, and food import logistics.

· Ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets, analyze financial performance, and prepare executive-level reports.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to engage effectively with U.S. Government representatives, vendors, and employees.

· Ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with competing priorities.

Education:

· Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Food & Beverage Management, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration, unrelated field accepted. Will accept 15 + years relevant experience in lieu of degree.

Licenses & Certifications:

· SERV Safe Manager Certification required.

· Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) preferred.

· HACCP Certification preferred and able to obtain within six months of hire.

· Other relevant management or food safety certifications a plus.

Passport: As part of pre-contingency requirements, by the time the visa process starts, candidates must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 18 months remaining to expiration date with 8 blank pages. Valid drivers' license from Home of Record.

Other:

· Security Vetting: Secret Clearance is required.

· Language Skills: Superior English proficiency skills.

· Medical: Must be able to successfully complete and pass the medical and dental examinations and maintain physical and dental requirements for the duration of the contract.

WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS:

This position may be located in a war zone, in an environment with harsh and dangerous working and living conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly be exposed to an extreme and austere desert-like environment. Temperatures can reach degrees Fahrenheit/50-55 degrees Celsius during the summer months. Employees must be willing and able to perform regular job requirements in this austere, extreme environment, as well as willing and able to deploy to Iraq for extended periods. Work schedules are a minimum of 6 days per week and 10 hours per day, while some jobs have higher daily and weekly minimums. Employees must be willing and able to perform physical activities including, but not limited to, heavy lifting and moving of items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum; climbing in and out of equipment; crawling; and working outdoors. This includes being able to lift and carry 40 pounds of personal protective equipment for extended periods of time and being capable of running and 'duck & cover' during emergencies without putting oneself or others at risk.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Amentum is a drug-free workplace.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.