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KCI TEMPORARY KITCHENS

JOB DESCRIPTION

Operations Project Manager

Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Location: Chesapeake, VA (Up to 25% travel to client sites)

Reports To: Director of Operations

Department: Operations

Company Overview

KCI Temporary Kitchens is a leading provider of temporary kitchen solutions serving companies and institutions across the country. With over 30 years of industry experience, we deliver fully equipped mobile kitchen facilities capable of supporting operations ranging from 90 to 9,000 meals per day in facilities spanning 480 sq. ft. to 15,000+ sq. ft. Our clients rely on us during planned facility renovations and unexpected service interruptions to keep their operations running without missing a beat.

Position Summary

The Operations Project Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of KCI's temporary kitchen deployments. This individual will manage the coordination of transportation, direct the installation and tear-down of kitchen units, provide real-time operational support from the central office, and plan and oversee the refurbishment, cleaning, and construction of kitchen units. The ideal candidate brings hands-on knowledge of mechanical systems and/or commercial kitchen installation and a strong ability to manage complex, multi-site projects from a central hub.

Core Responsibilities

Transportation & Logistics

•        Coordinate and manage all inbound and outbound transportation of temporary kitchen units with outside transport/carrier partners.

•        Schedule deliveries and pickups in alignment with client project timelines and operational requirements.

•        Serve as the primary point of contact with third-party transport vendors, negotiating schedules and resolving any transit issues.

•        Maintain accurate records of unit locations, transport status, and logistics documentation.

Installation & Tear-Down Management

•        Direct and oversee KCI's in-house field team during the installation and tear-down of temporary kitchen units at client sites.

•        Develop and maintain detailed installation plans, timelines, and crew assignments for each project.

•        Ensure all installations meet safety, health, and operational standards, including utility connections (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical).

•        Conduct quality checks post-installation to verify full operational readiness before client handover.

Central Office Operations Support

•        Act as the central point of operational support for active deployments, resolving on-the-job issues remotely and escalating when necessary.

•        Troubleshoot technical and operational problems across active kitchen units, leveraging mechanical and kitchen systems knowledge to guide field staff toward solutions.

•        Maintain clear communication channels with clients and field teams throughout each deployment.

•        Monitor ongoing projects for schedule adherence, budget compliance, and client satisfaction.

Project Planning & Future Deployments

•        Plan and manage upcoming projects from initial scoping through execution, including resource allocation, scheduling, and client coordination.

•        Collaborate with sales and management to review client requirements and develop deployment proposals that meet unique food service needs.

•        Maintain a forward-looking project pipeline, identifying and resolving potential conflicts in scheduling or resources.

Kitchen Refurbishment, Cleaning & Construction Oversight

•        Oversee the post-deployment cleaning, inspection, and refurbishment of kitchen units to ensure fleet readiness.

•        Plan and manage the custom construction or modification of kitchen units to meet unique client specifications.

•        Work with internal staff and subcontractors on build-outs, system upgrades, and equipment installations within the trailers.

•        Maintain a maintenance schedule and inventory tracking system for all units in the fleet.

Client Site Visits & Travel

•        Travel to client sites as needed (up to 25% of the time) to oversee critical installations, conduct site assessments, or resolve complex operational challenges.

•        Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a professional and responsive experience throughout each engagement.

Required Qualifications

•        3+ years of experience in project management, operations management, or a related field.

•        Background in mechanical systems and/or commercial kitchen installation.

•        Demonstrated experience managing field crews or multi-site operations.

•        Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

•        Proficiency with project management tools and general office software (scheduling, documentation, communication).

•        Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including occasional overnight trips.

•        Strong communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal, to coordinate across teams, vendors, and clients.

•        Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, equipment specifications, and site plans.

•        All candidates must be able to successfully pass a standard criminal background check prior to employment. Due to the nature of KCI's client base, which includes correctional facilities, federal government installations, military operations, and emergency management deployments, candidates must also be able to pass a national security background check. Inability to clear either check will disqualify a candidate from the position.

Preferred Qualifications

•        Experience in the food service, hospitality, or commercial kitchen industry.

•        Familiarity with DOT regulations and logistics coordination involving tractor-trailer transport.

•        PMP or equivalent project management certification.

•        Experience with fleet or asset management.

•        Prior experience in a construction or facilities management environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

•        Primarily office-based role in Chesapeake, VA with up to 25% travel to client sites nationwide.

•        Work in or around temporary kitchen units during inspections, builds, and refurbishments as needed.

•        Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in non-climate-controlled environments when necessary.

•        May be required to respond to urgent operational issues outside of standard business hours.

What We Offer

•        Competitive salary commensurate with experience, $80,000-$120,000.

•        Opportunity to lead operations at a specialized, growing company with 30+ years in the industry.

•        Collaborative team environment with direct impact on company growth and client success.

•        Health benefits and paid time off.

KCI Temporary Kitchens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.