2026 - Culinary Professionals - Kitchen Manager / Head Chef - Seasonal Relocation Job is Not Local

Norwalk, CT, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Seasonal
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

competitive pay
bonus system
Room
Board
transportation expense assistance
seasonal summer contracts

Job Description

Wolfoods, Inc. is a pioneering food service company specializing in elevating the culinary experience at summer camps across the United States. Operating exclusively during the summer months from May through September, Wolfoods manages kitchens and dining halls at camps nationwide with a distinct commitment to quality, health, and sustainability. Unlike typical camp food services that often rely on freezer-to-table fare, Wolfoods prides itself on its home-style scratch cooking approach. Partnering with camps dedicated to promoting healthy eating habits, Wolfoods seeks to redefine the traditional concept of camp food by offering fresh, delicious, and nutritionally balanced meals to campers and staff alike.

Wolfoods embraces a philosophy that camp dining should be a valuable opportunity for education and cultural enrichment. The company’s menus are thoughtfully crafted to include a diverse range of options that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. From freshly baked goods prepared daily by professional bakers in the camp bakery to salad bars and fruit and yogurt offerings, every meal is designed to deliver both quality and variety. Special dietary requirements such as kosher, nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan diets are attentively accommodated by trained chefs proficient in managing food allergens and cross-contamination protocols.

The role of Kitchen Manager / Head Chef at Wolfoods is an essential hands-on leadership position responsible for executing the Wolfoods Camp Food Service Program flawlessly. These lead staff members live on-site at their assigned camp locations and receive comprehensive support including room, board, and travel expense assistance. The role demands a motivated, capable, and experienced individual who can manage all facets of the camp kitchen operations effectively. This includes planning, cooking from scratch, adhering to strict sanitation standards, managing budgets, and supervising kitchen and dining hall staff.

The Kitchen Manager / Head Chef must ensure timely food service that meets high quality standards during all meal periods, including special requests. Communication skills are critical in this role, as the manager must interact professionally with children, counselors, exchange students, directors, and a variety of camp personnel. Leadership qualities such as initiative, self-reliance, and sound judgment are paramount, as the lead staff serves as the primary point of contact between the kitchen and camp leadership.

Key responsibilities include scheduling and training staff, monitoring food production and presentation, managing inventory and orders, enforcing safety and sanitation regulations, and maintaining positive client relations. The position also requires involvement in menu planning, recipe development, and environmental sustainability practices. Working under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes rustic environment, Kitchen Managers / Head Chefs must be adaptable and willing to embrace the challenges inherent to seasonal camp work.

Wolfoods offers competitive pay, seasonal summer contracts, a bonus system, room and board, and transportation expense assistance. This opportunity appeals particularly to individuals seeking seasonal employment in unique settings, who enjoy team collaboration, and who are committed to culinary excellence and camp community values. The company fosters a culture of learning and growth, encouraging staff to develop their skills while contributing to a memorable dining experience that supports campers’ well-being and enjoyment.

Wolfoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. The company ensures fair treatment to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, national origin, disability, religion, or other legally protected characteristics.

Job Requirements

  • 4+ years commercial kitchen experience
  • minimum three professional references
  • servsafe allergens certification before start of camp (company sponsored)
  • ability to live on-site in rural setting with possibly shared living spaces
  • ability to work under pressure in varying temperatures
  • ability to stand for long periods
  • ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds
  • ability to bend, stretch, and reach for extended periods
  • availability for minimum 6-day 70-hour work week
  • ability to cook from scratch
  • institutional and batch cooking experience highly desired

Job Qualifications

  • minimum four years commercial kitchen experience
  • minimum three professional references
  • proficiency in relevant culinary and management skills
  • ability to motivate oneself and others
  • leadership and teamwork abilities
  • servsafe allergens certification (company sponsored)
  • institutional and batch cooking experience highly desired
  • ability to work under pressure
  • good communication skills
  • understanding of food safety and cross-contamination
  • ability to stand and lift heavy items for extended periods
  • flexible and adaptable to rustic living environments

Job Duties

  • perform all duties toward providing excellent guest service in an efficient manner
  • develop effective staff schedules based on business levels and budget guidelines
  • maintain cleanliness and organization in the dining hall with strict sanitation standards
  • have a presence on the floor during meal periods to monitor operations
  • train and develop front of house dining personnel
  • communicate daily with head chef and camp directors on dining hall operations
  • interact frequently with diners for feedback
  • ensure dining hall is prepared 15 minutes prior to service
  • implement checklist systems for dining hall operations
  • follow environmental and safety practices
  • maintain knowledge of menus and standards
  • report daily on operations
  • motivate and foster a positive work environment
  • attend training and staff meetings
  • understand food safety and allergen protocols
  • control inventory and place orders
  • uphold Wolfoods standards of service and quality
  • manage health department sanitation standards
  • use standardized recipes and proper weights and measures
  • prepare all menu items and special request events
  • plan and coordinate kitchen workflow
  • ensure kitchen and equipment maintenance
  • assist in recipe development and menu planning
  • act as front of house supervisor when necessary

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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