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Food Operations Management Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix3 Collective

Area Operations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Financial Management * Drive revenue growth while managing labor, food, and operating costs ... Serve as the primary operational liaison for assigned locations. * Communicate effectively with ...

Sky Chefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Kenilworth, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

Sky Chefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Barrington, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

SkyChefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

Sky Chefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Glenview, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

Sky Chefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

Sky Chefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

Sky Chefs

Supervisor Operations - Cold Food

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

The supervisor will also manage inventory, monitor the adherence to food safety protocols, and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will have ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Food Service Supervisor (if applicable) and/or Food Service Operations Manager(s) Responsibilities * Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Bartender

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Food Operations Supervisor(s) and Food Operations Manager(s) Responsibilities * Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client. * Oversee ...

Food for Thought

Food and Beverage Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

You will serve as a liaison between the client, culinary team, and operations teams to ensure all ... Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced ...

STONE

Operations Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Free food & snacks * Health insurance * Opportunity for advancement * Training & development ... Previous experience as an Operations Manager is preferred * Deep understanding of organizational ...

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All JobsFood Operations Management JobsFood Operations Management Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Operations Management information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33K

$61.5K

$116K

How much do food operations management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for food operations management in Chicago, IL is $61,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food operations management?

Food Operations Management involves overseeing the daily operations of food service establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. Professionals in this field are responsible for managing staff, ensuring food safety, maintaining inventory, and providing excellent customer service. They also handle budgeting, compliance with health regulations, and often participate in menu planning. The goal is to ensure efficient, profitable, and high-quality food service operations. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food operations manager?

To thrive as a Food Operations Manager, you need expertise in food safety, inventory management, and business operations, often supported by a degree in hospitality, business, or culinary management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory software, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you manage teams and maintain high service standards. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient operations, food safety compliance, and a positive customer experience.

What are some common challenges faced in food operations management, and how can they be addressed?

Food Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality, managing supply chain disruptions, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, the ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen issues, and effective communication with both staff and suppliers. Implementing standardized procedures, investing in ongoing staff training, and utilizing inventory management technologies can help streamline operations and minimize disruptions.

What is the difference between Food Operations Management vs Food Service Supervisor?

AspectFood Operations ManagementFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP), experience in food industryFood safety certifications, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, food production facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering venues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by food service companies, large restaurants, institutional food providersCommonly employed in restaurants, hotels, and catering services
Job FocusOverseeing overall food operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance, optimizing processesSupervising daily food service activities, managing staff, ensuring quality and safety

Food Operations Management involves overseeing entire food service operations, including strategic planning and process optimization, while Food Service Supervisors focus on daily supervision and ensuring quality in food service delivery. Both roles require food safety certifications and industry experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What jobs can I get with food operations management?

Food operations management prepares individuals for roles such as restaurant manager, food service director, catering manager, or operations supervisor. These positions involve overseeing daily food service activities, managing staff, ensuring quality standards, and often require knowledge of inventory, budgeting, and compliance with health regulations.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Operations Management jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Operations Management job openings:

Food Operations Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Operations Management job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,496 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Area Operations Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site

Phoenix3 Collective
See more jobs at Phoenix3 Collectiveexternal

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Area Manager to oversee a portfolio of seven premium coffee, tea, and bakery café locations throughout the Chicago market. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, financial performance, guest satisfaction, and team development across multiple sites.

The ideal candidate is a hospitality leader with strong multi-unit management experience who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences through premium food and beverage offerings.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperations Leadership
  • Oversee day-to-day operations across seven café locations.
  • Ensure consistent execution of company standards, service expectations, and brand presentation.
  • Conduct regular site visits, audits, and operational reviews.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service quality, and profitability.
Team Leadership & Development
  • Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing café managers and teams.
  • Provide coaching, training, and performance management.
  • Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, engagement, and hospitality.
  • Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
Financial Management
  • Drive revenue growth while managing labor, food, and operating costs.
  • Monitor P&L performance for each location.
  • Analyze key business metrics and implement action plans to improve results.
  • Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
Guest Experience
  • Ensure delivery of exceptional hospitality and customer service.
  • Resolve guest concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  • Maintain premium standards for food quality, beverage execution, cleanliness, and presentation.
Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with all company policies, health regulations, and food safety requirements.
  • Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
  • Conduct routine inspections and corrective action planning.
Client & Stakeholder Partnership
  • Build strong relationships with site leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Serve as the primary operational liaison for assigned locations.
  • Communicate effectively with corporate leadership regarding performance, opportunities, and risks.
QualificationsRequired
  • 5+ years of multi-unit management experience in hospitality, foodservice, cafés, bakeries, coffee shops, or retail food environments.
  • Proven experience leading multiple locations and teams.
  • Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience.
  • Exceptional leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout the Chicago market.
Preferred
  • Experience with premium coffee, specialty beverage, bakery, or café concepts.
  • Background in contract dining, hospitality services, or upscale retail food operations.
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field.
Key Competencies
  • Multi-Unit Operations Management
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Financial Performance Management
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Customer Experience Excellence
  • Operational Execution
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Change Management