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

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 an innovative company dedicated to transforming the traditional summer camp dining experience across the United States. Operating kitchens at various summer camps between May and September, WOLFoods brings fresh, homemade, scratch cooking to camp menus, moving away from the typical freezer-to-table approach. The organization partners with camps committed to providing healthy, delicious, and balanced meals that cater to a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. Their diverse menus not only offer campers their favorite meals but also serve as an educational platform to introduce different cultures through cuisine and highlight the importance of balanced diets and environmental sustainability. With each meal, campers are treated to freshly baked goods, fruit and yogurt bars, salad bars, and specially prepared dishes for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring every camper receives personalized care and attention. WOLFoods is known for its commitment to quality, green initiatives, and exceptional food service standards that enhance the overall camp experience.

The role of Kitchen Manager / Head Chef at WOLFoods is a hands-on and demanding leadership position that requires experienced, motivated, and capable culinary professionals to lead summer camp kitchen operations on-site at the camp locations. This seasonal, summer contract position demands an individual who can flawlessly execute the WOLFoods Camp Food Service Program while managing every aspect of the kitchen and dining hall operations. The hired candidate will live on-site during the summer season, with room, board, and travel expense assistance provided. The Kitchen Manager / Head Chef will be responsible for planning menus, managing recipe execution, maintaining strict sanitation protocols, and accommodating a multitude of food allergens and dietary restrictions including kosher, nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan diets.

This role requires excellent leadership and communication skills, as the lead staff member not only manages the kitchen team and front-of-house service workers but also acts as the primary liaison between camp leadership, kitchen staff, and camp attendees. The Kitchen Manager / Head Chef must coordinate staff schedules, control budgetary considerations, oversee payroll, handle inventory and food ordering, and ensure impeccable food presentation and service timing during all meal periods and special events. The position requires a strong sense of urgency, professionalism, and the ability to deliver outstanding customer service continuously under fast-paced, sometimes physically challenging conditions. The successful candidate must have a keen understanding of food safety standards, including allergen management and cross-contamination avoidance, and the ability to maintain a clean and organized dining environment.

The Kitchen Manager / Head Chef plays a vital role in shaping the campers' dining experience while fostering a positive work environment, providing ongoing training and feedback, and upholding WOLFoods' standards of quality and service. Candidates should be prepared for 6-day, 70-hour work weeks and be able to live in rural, shared living settings during the summer months. Experience with institutional and batch cooking is highly desired. This role presents a unique opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about teaching, learning, and being part of a tightly-knit seasonal community that values fresh, nutritious, and culturally rich meals in a camp setting. Competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and transportation assistance are included as part of the employment package, reflecting WOLFoods' commitment to supporting their staff throughout the summer season.

Job Requirements

  • 4+ years commercial kitchen experience
  • minimum three professional references
  • proficient in relevant skills
  • self-motivation
  • team leadership and ability to take direction
  • ability to live on-site in rural setting
  • ability to work under pressure
  • physical ability to stand for long periods
  • ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
  • ability to bend, stretch, and reach
  • possession of ServSafe Allergens Certification before camp start
  • availability for 6-day, 70-hour work week
  • capable of scratch cooking
  • institutional and batch cooking experience desired

Job Qualifications

  • 4+ years commercial kitchen experience
  • minimum three professional references required with application submission
  • proficient in relevant skills relating to specific role
  • ability to self-motivate
  • able to both lead a team and take direction
  • must live on-site in a rural setting with the possibility of shared living spaces
  • ability to work under pressure in environments that are above/below average temperatures
  • must be able to stand for long periods of time
  • must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds
  • must be able to bend, stretch, and reach for extended periods of time
  • must possess a ServSafe Allergens Certification before start of camp (company sponsored)
  • minimum 6-day 70-hour work week
  • must be able to cook from scratch
  • institutional and batch cooking experience - highly desired

Job Duties

  • perform all duties toward the goal of providing excellent guest service in an efficient manner
  • develop effective schedules for the staff based on levels of business and budgetary guidelines
  • schedule and coordinate all side work for personnel
  • maintain cleanliness and organization in the dining hall according to established standards of sanitation
  • maintain appearance and uniform standards
  • has a presence on the floor during meal periods to observe, monitor, and follow up on all areas of the dining hall operation
  • work with the chef on duty in maintaining high standards of food presentation and sanitation
  • train and develop all front of house dining personnel
  • provide ongoing feedback to all service personnel concerning standards and performance
  • communicate with the head chef and camp directors daily concerning all aspects of the dining hall operation
  • frequently interact with diners for general feedback
  • ensure the dining hall is open and prepared 15 minutes prior to service
  • implement a check list system to facilitate the dining hall throughout the day
  • follow wolfoods initiatives for environmental practices to minimize wasted energy and resources
  • be knowledgeable of all menus and specifications
  • maintain constant follow up with dining hall standards
  • follow company standards for safety practices to minimize risk to self and others
  • be responsible for daily reporting
  • effectively communicate with subordinates, co-workers, and supervisors
  • be able to motivate and foster a positive work environment
  • attend related in-service training and staff meetings
  • understand food safety as it pertains to special diet food preparations and cooking for individuals with allergies
  • professionally interact with campers, staff, and parents
  • control inventory
  • place orders
  • project management
  • communication
  • uphold wolfoods standards of service and quality
  • maintain health department sanitation standards
  • manage staff
  • client relations
  • follow the comprehensive wolfoods camp food training program
  • use weights and measures to properly execute recipes
  • prepare all menu items and special request events
  • follow standardized recipes
  • ensure that production is accurate in timing, quantity, quality, and plating
  • actively lead in planning, scheduling, directing, and training
  • understand the importance in cross utilization
  • understand the importance of utilizing excess production
  • estimate production needs, establish par levels, order adequate supplies, and maintain inventory
  • place accurate food orders ahead of time
  • ensure kitchen and equipment are maintained to health standards
  • teach and enforce safety regulations
  • specialized food preparation for events
  • assist in developing and tasting recipes
  • assist in planning menu
  • recommend equipment purchases
  • may act as a front of house supervisor when necessary

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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