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Food Operations Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

Food Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

You will provides oversight at the direction of management on-site to coordinate routine work activities of service employees engaged in food operations, including but not limited to fast casual ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Operations information

See Tennessee salary details

$29K

$54.2K

$102.1K

How much do food operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for food operations 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 is food operations?

Food Operations refer to the management and execution of activities involved in preparing, cooking, serving, and delivering food within various settings such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, or catering services. These operations encompass everything from sourcing ingredients and maintaining food safety standards to overseeing staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. Food Operations professionals play a critical role in ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with health regulations in food service establishments.

What are some common challenges faced in a food operations role and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the most common challenges in Food Operations is maintaining consistent food quality and safety standards while working in a fast-paced environment. This often requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to quickly solve problems as they arise. Collaborating closely with kitchen staff, suppliers, and front-of-house teams is essential to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Adapting to changing demands, such as sudden shifts in customer volume or supply chain disruptions, also requires flexibility and proactive planning. Building strong relationships within the team and continuously updating knowledge on food safety protocols can help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Food Operations vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood OperationsFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certifications, basic food handling knowledgeTypically requires food safety training, sometimes a food handler permit
Work EnvironmentIncludes kitchens, restaurants, catering, food production facilitiesPrimarily in restaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across food production, hospitality, catering, retail food outletsCommonly employed in restaurants, cafeterias, and quick-service establishments

Food Operations roles focus on managing and overseeing food production, safety, and processes, often involving planning and coordination. Food Service Workers are primarily involved in preparing and serving food in customer-facing environments. While both roles require food safety knowledge, Food Operations positions typically involve more responsibility and oversight, whereas Food Service Workers focus on direct service tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Operations, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, inventory management, and experience in food preparation or culinary arts, often supported by a food handler's certification or relevant degree. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and inventory tracking software is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills help ensure smooth coordination and quality service. These abilities are essential for maintaining food quality, safety standards, and efficient operations in a fast-paced environment.
Infographic showing various Food Operations job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,182 per year, or $26 per hour.

Regional Director of Food Operations (Healthcare)

The Waters of Smyrna

Smyrna, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Regional Food Service Director:

To oversee all assigned facilities, ensuring leadership and guidance in operations, finances, human resources and client relationships, while providing direct supervision to the facility Food Service Directors.

Regional Food Service Director Key Accountabilities:

  • Actively support and apply all company and facility policies and procedures to ensure the highest quality of service is being provided to our customers at the lowest possible cost.

  • Work with Corporate and/or onsite dietitians to ensure that all federal and state requirements are being achieved.

  • Cultivate and maintain business partnerships with clients by developing a broad knowledge and understanding of clients’ and their customers’ needs and expectations, including:

  • Establish and maintain internal Quality Assurance and Assessment processes in each assigned facility, including inspections, annual client satisfaction surveys, keep the company and its facilities on the cutting edge of our industry.

  • Actively participate in food service-related committees within assigned facilities (if applicable), or otherwise be involved in and visible at special events within each assigned facility, to demonstrate the company’s team approach and commitment to the clients

  • Plan and develop each unit’s operational budgets and demonstrate an understanding of the company’s financial objectives for each unit. Financial responsibilities include:

  • Review financial results weekly and monthly and make necessary adjustments to improve operational performance.

  • Develop a weekly financial plan to include sales, menu and production records, food purchases, inventory, and labor productivity to assist each unit in achieving its budget targets.

  • Educate Food Service Directors for each facility in P&L process (where applicable) and review month-end results for each facility with its Food Service Director.

  • Ensure all established Accounting practices and timelines are consistently adhered to.

  • Provides assistance as needed, with new business bids, rebids for current clients/customers, and the development of new programs, including:

  • Renegotiate contract terms and/or fee/pricing increases with client, when necessary.

  • Participate in assessment and Performa development, proposal writing and presentations, when necessary.

  • Manage transition of new business accounts.

  • Conduct audits and evaluate each facility’s performance in the areas of food production, menu and recipe standards, sanitation, uniforms, purchasing, inventories, safety, payroll, human resources compliance and record keeping.

  • Demonstrate working knowledge of operational, accounting and human resources policies and procedures (i.e. new hire process, payroll, etc.).

  • Ensure all human resources and safety practices and policies are intact and adhered to.

  • Hold Food Service Directors and employees accountable for behavior and performance, following Corrective Action guidelines when necessary.

  • Conduct training and development needs assessment of Food Service Directors and arrange necessary training, including the areas of food and cost productions, customer services, team building, time management, human resources skills, etc.

  • Communicate with and assist in developing goals and objectives for each Food Service Director. Meet with Food Service Directors on an individual basis to assess goals and areas of opportunity.

  • Support Food Service Directors in conducting training and development needs assessment of employees and assist in arranging appropriate training sessions/tools.

  • Ensure companies systems are followed and in compliance daily

Regional Food Service Director Minimum Requirements:

  • High School diploma required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts or related field preferred.

  • Minimum 2-5 years’ experience coordinating food service operations.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and guide teams.

  • Strong initiative.

  • Strong ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.

  • Skill in the use of operating basic office equipment.

  • Ability to travel frequently.