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Military Food Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

At least seven (7) years of of military food service experience in the grade of Staff Sergeant (or other military service equivalents), or equivalent civilian experience in large scale DoD food ...

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. Job ...

Military Background: 3+ years of military food service experience at pay grade E-7 or higher (warrant/commissioned officer experience acceptable). * Specialized Skills: Experience in contingency or ...

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Military Background: 3+ years of military food service experience at pay grade E-7 or higher (warrant/commissioned officer experience acceptable). * Specialized Skills: Experience in contingency or ...

Three (3) years of military food service experience at pay grade E-7 or higher (warrant/commissioned officer experience acceptable as supervisory). * Experience in contingency or emergency feeding ...

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Military Background: 3+ years of military food service experience at pay grade E-7 or higher (warrant/commissioned officer experience acceptable). * Specialized Skills: Experience in contingency or ...

Apply Early

Military food service experience may substitute if the individual reached paygrade E-5 or higher and held that grade for at least two (2) years. * Current ServSafe Manager Certification (required)

Experience * 5 years' experience in managing food service operations within a large volume food service facility serving complete meals (military or large institutions is a plus). * Minimum three ...

Experience * 5 years' experience in managing food service operations within a large volume food service facility serving complete meals (military or large institutions is a plus). * Minimum three ...

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Military Food Service information

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How much do military food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for military food service in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Military Food Service job?

A Military Food Service job involves preparing, cooking, and serving meals to service members in various settings, such as dining facilities, field kitchens, and ships. Responsibilities include menu planning, food safety compliance, and equipment maintenance. These roles ensure that military personnel receive nutritious meals to support their health and mission readiness. Military food service workers may also assist with inventory management and sanitation. The job requires teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

What does a food service specialist do in the Army?

A food service specialist in the Army is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to soldiers and staff. They manage kitchen operations, maintain food safety standards, and ensure efficient meal service in various settings, often working with kitchen equipment and following strict health regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Military Food Service position, and why are they important?

To excel in Military Food Service, you need knowledge of food preparation, sanitation procedures, and inventory management, often backed by basic food handler certifications and military training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and standardized military meal planning tools is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient meal service and support the health and readiness of military personnel in diverse environments.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Military food service roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon without specialized skills or advanced positions. High-paying jobs that may reach this level often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but usually require experience, certifications, or licensing rather than a degree. For high weekly earnings, consider roles in sales, real estate, or business ownership that reward performance and expertise.

How much do military chefs get paid?

Military chefs, also known as culinary specialists, typically earn a salary based on rank and years of service, with pay ranging from approximately $2,000 to $4,000 per month for enlisted personnel. They may also receive additional allowances for housing, food, and duty location, along with benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans.

What is the highest paying food service job?

In military food service, the highest paying roles are typically senior positions such as Food Service Officer or Food Service Supervisor, which offer higher salaries and additional responsibilities. These roles often require leadership skills, experience, and sometimes specialized certifications, and they may include benefits like housing allowances or bonuses.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Military Food Service?

A typical day in Military Food Service involves preparing and serving meals according to strict schedules, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen, and managing food supplies and inventory. Team members often rotate through a variety of tasks, such as cooking, serving, cleaning, and record-keeping. The work environment is fast-paced and structured, requiring collaboration with other food service staff and coordination with leadership to ensure operational readiness. You may also participate in training, meal planning, and special event support, providing valuable experience and growth opportunities within military food operations.

More about Military Food Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Military Food Service jobs? Cities with the most Military Food Service job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Military Food Service jobs? The most popular types of Military Food Service jobs are:
What states have the most Military Food Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Military Food Service jobs include:
Infographic showing various Military Food Service job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Culinary Director

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,236 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 437 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

Salute Hospitality delivers dining solutions for the military. American owned and mission ready, we support service members, families, and base communities each day, with wellness built into everything we do: menus designed for strength, energy, and endurance, from chefs who treat every meal as part of the job. Capability Built. Mission Ready. Here for the Full Journey.

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark's Salute program - our military and defense food service brand operating across U.S. military installations nationwide. This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across the Salute portfolio, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, operational excellence, and the evolving expectations of the Service Members and personnel we serve. 

The Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at installations nationwide, shaping the culinary vision that supports mission readiness, enhances quality of life, and advances the modernization of military dining. This position partners closely with Aramark operations, marketing, procurement, and business development teams to deliver innovative culinary solutions that balance creativity, cost stewardship, and compliance with military and Aramark standards. 

The Director is also responsible for developing top culinary talent, supporting enterprise growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of military food service. 

Job Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Team Development 

Lead and develop a nationwide team of Executive Chefs across multiple installations, driving consistent culinary and operational excellence. 

Recruit, mentor, and build a strong culinary talent pipeline, preparing current team members for future leadership roles across the enterprise. 

Empower team members to make decisions that deliver the highest level of service and dining experience to the populations we serve. 

Foster a culture of culinary passion, continuous improvement, and pride in the Salute brand. 

Plan and execute team meetings, coaching sessions, and recognition programs that celebrate performance and build engagement. 

Culinary Programming & Innovation 

Design and implement culinary programs aligned with Salute program objectives, customer preferences, and installation-specific needs. 

Drive consistency in food quality, production, presentation, and service across all dining facility (DFAC) operations. 

Monitor culinary trends and innovations, translating relevant insights into practical improvements across the portfolio. 

Champion authentic, on-trend, and precisely executed culinary standards and techniques throughout all installations. 

Develop unique and diverse program elements - including local sourcing partnerships where applicable - that elevate the dining experience. 

Training & Operational Standards 

Oversee training standards across the Salute culinary team, including HACCP, knife skills, food code alignment, and menu execution. 

Ensure compliance with the TriService Food Code, Aramark food safety policies, and applicable installation and federal requirements. 

Conduct field audits, operational reviews, and performance assessments to validate readiness, quality, and safety. 

Lead corrective action planning, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across the portfolio. 

Leverage technology to streamline daily culinary operations and enable a consistent, high-quality hospitality experience. 

Financial Performance & Procurement 

Ensure procurement compliance, vendor adherence, SKU standardization, and cost control across the Salute culinary portfolio. 

Reduce non-compliant spend while improving product utilization and operational efficiency. 

Forecast, plan, and execute against budget parameters established for the portfolio. 

Drive margin improvement through focused management of food costs, production efficiency, and resource utilization. 

Growth & Business Development Support 

Support growth and new business opportunities within the Salute program as a culinary subject matter expert. 

Partner with business development teams to provide culinary strategy, program design, and proposal support for new installation pursuits. 

Represent the Salute brand at industry events and forums, building relationships that strengthen Aramark's position in the military food service market. 

Qualifications

Required 

Minimum 10 years of culinary experience, with 3-5 years in a multi-site or enterprise culinary management role. 

Culinary background required; formal culinary training or degree preferred. 

Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or equivalent professional experience. 

Military experience required - active duty, reserve, or direct experience working in a military food service or installation environment. Familiarity with DFAC operations, military dining standards, and the TriService Food Code is strongly preferred. 

Demonstrated success leading and developing geographically dispersed culinary teams. 

Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles, and federal food service compliance requirements. 

Willingness to travel up to 70% of the time to installations across the U.S. 

Preferred 

Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) food service contracts or Government Food Service (GFS) programs. 

Familiarity with military dining modernization efforts and installation-based food service operations. 

Prior experience with Aramark, Sodexo, Compass, or a large managed services food service company. 

Experience supporting new site openings, mobilizations, or contract transitions in a military or institutional food service context. 

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US