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Food Operations Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

First Watch

Operations Manager

Germantown, TN · On-site

Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with ... Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed * Knows ...

SSA Group

Food Service Associate

Nashville, TN · 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 ...

LBA Hospitality

Operations Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

Acts as the main liaison between the General Manager and daily operations in a dual/combo property ... Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Food and Beverage to include but not limited to ...

First Watch

Operations Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with ... Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed * Knows ...

LBA Hospitality

Operations Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Acts as the main liaison between the General Manager and daily operations in a dual/combo property ... Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Food and Beverage to include but not limited to ...

First Watch

Operations Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with ... Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed * Knows ...

ssagroup

Food Service Associate

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/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 ...

First Watch

Operations Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with ... Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed * Knows ...

First Watch

Operations Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with ... Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed * Knows ...

First Watch

Operations Manager

Germantown, TN · On-site

Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with ... Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed * Knows ...

ssagroup

Food Service Associate

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/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 ...

The Vernon Staffing Group

General Manager

Martin, TN · On-site

General Manager or Operations Manager title with full contract accountability as the senior\-most on\-site leader \n * Minimum 5 years of food service management experience managing accounts with ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFood Operations JobsFood Operations Manager JobsFood Operations Manager Jobs in Tennessee

Food Operations Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$29K

$54.2K

$102.1K

How much do food operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food operations manager in Tennessee is $54,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food operations manager do?

A Food Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of food service establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering companies. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring food safety and quality, handling budgets, and optimizing operational efficiency. They also coordinate with suppliers, monitor inventory, and ensure compliance with health regulations. Ultimately, they work to deliver excellent customer service while maintaining profitability.

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, budgeting, and staff supervision, often supported by a degree in hospitality or business management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and scheduling software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you motivate teams and resolve operational challenges. These skills ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced food service environment.

What are some common challenges food operations managers face when overseeing multiple locations?

Food Operations Managers who oversee multiple locations often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality standards, ensuring effective communication across teams, and adapting to the unique needs of each site. Balancing inventory, staffing, and compliance with health and safety regulations can also be demanding. Successful managers develop strong organizational systems and foster a culture of accountability to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth operations.

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

AspectFood Operations ManagerFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, food safety management)Food safety certifications often required, but less comprehensive
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple locations or departments, strategic planningManages daily operations at a specific location or shift
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, catering, hospitality, institutional food servicesCommon in restaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on managerial responsibilities, strategic oversightFocuses on operational, staff supervision

The Food Operations Manager typically handles broader strategic planning and oversees multiple units, requiring relevant certifications and experience. The Food Service Supervisor focuses on daily operational management and staff supervision at a specific location. Both roles are essential in the food service industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

Is a food operations manager a high paying job?

Food operations managers typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and the size of the operation. In general, they earn above average wages compared to many entry-level roles in the food service industry, with higher earnings possible for those managing large or multiple locations. Certifications in management and strong leadership skills can also influence earning potential.

What is a food operations manager?

A food operations manager oversees the daily activities of food service establishments, such as restaurants or cafeterias. They manage staff, ensure food quality and safety standards, control inventory, and optimize operational efficiency, often requiring knowledge of food safety regulations and management skills.

What is the role of a food operations manager in a food operation?

A food operations manager oversees daily food service activities, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency in food preparation and delivery. They manage staff, control inventory, implement policies, and may use tools like POS systems to optimize operations.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Operations Manager job openings:

Food Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Operations Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,182 per year, or $26 per hour.

Operations Manager

First Watch

Germantown, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

First Watch rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Our YOU FIRST Philosophy

In addition to no night shifts and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That’s where our YOU FIRST culture begins – each day, we put our employees first and strive to make them happy. They are empowered with an independence to make decisions that will help provide an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for their customers. In fact, we like to say, we love our employees more than bacon. And that says a lot.

A Few of The Perks (and not just the coffee!)

All employees are eligible for the following:

  • One Shift - No Night Shifts. Ever.
  • Opportunity to grow your career with a great company and great people!
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
  • Meal Discount
  • Complimentary premium access to the Calm App, plus 5 gift subscriptions
  • Unlimited access to medical and behavioral telemedicine through Cirrus MD
  • Tuition Reimbursement & High School Diploma Program
  • Life Insurance*
  • Short Term Disability*
  • Long-Term Disability*
  • Dental*
  • Vision*
  • Health Insurance*
  • Total Pet Plan*
  • Supplemental Insurance (accident, critical illness, indemnity) *
  • Perks at Work (over 30,000 discounts on purchases for travel, fitness, auto event tickets & more)
  • Childcare Discount Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings Program**

* Employees are eligible the first of the month after 60 days of employment

**Employees are eligible after one year of employment

Responsibilities

  • Learns and supports our You First culture and core values
  • Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with high standards
  • Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed
  • Knows the restaurant sales and traffic goals – and works to exceed them
  • Coaches and observes the First Watch Five Steps of Service being implemented at every table
  • Understands the background story of our 10 Commandments – and puts them into action
  • Responds with a sense of urgency to both customer and employee concerns
  • Communicates and takes immediate ownership of repair and maintenance issues
  • Is certified in food safety – and identifies and coaches in all areas of safe food handling
  • Is continuously scouting for and interviewing candidates to join our team
  • Keeps our company assets secure; including computers, point of sale, security systems and equipment
  • Understands the key responsibilities of every position in the restaurant
  • Puts an immediate stop to any inappropriate behavior, investigates as needed
  • Trains, coaches, and develops team members daily
  • Recognizes performance that goes above and beyond
  • Accounts for all daily revenues and deposits
  • Completes our admin duties – and gets required paperwork in on time

What First Watch employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

First Watch logo

About First Watch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the protein-packed Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farmstand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Vodka Kale Tonic and its famous Million Dollar Bacon. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet, recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work award and named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2021, First Watch was recognized as FSR Magazine's Best Menu and as the fastest-growing full-service restaurant chain based on unit growth. There are more than 470 First Watch restaurants in 29 states and the restaurant concept is majority owned by Advent International, one of the world's largest private-equity firms.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bradenton, FL, US

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