Catering Director of Operations

Director of Operations

B&M Clambake | Pawtucket, RI | Full-Time

About the Role

B&M Clambake is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead day-to-day operations across our catering and school meal programs. Reporting to the President, this role will oversee food production, logistics, staffing, food safety, financial performance, customer relationships, and operational growth.

We are looking for a hands-on leader who can build strong teams, improve processes, manage costs, and ensure consistently high standards of quality and service.

What You'll Do

• Oversee daily kitchen, production, delivery, catering, and school meal operations.

• Lead and develop kitchen, logistics, customer service, administrative, and management teams.

• Establish and improve processes and SOPs to increase efficiency, consistency, and accountability.

• Ensure compliance with USDA school nutrition requirements, food safety regulations, HACCP, ServSafe, and applicable state and local requirements.

• Manage relationships with school districts, nutrition directors, administrators, and key catering customers.

• Oversee forecasting, purchasing, inventory, production, and delivery for school meal programs.

• Manage budgets, P&L performance, food and labor costs, pricing, and operational forecasts.

• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and retain employees across the organization.

• Ensure exceptional customer service and resolve issues quickly and professionally.

• Identify opportunities to grow the catering business, retain school contracts, improve profitability, and expand revenue.

• Partner with the President on strategic planning, new systems and technology, equipment, and operational improvements.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of progressive management experience in food service, catering, hospitality, school nutrition, or a related industry.

• Proven experience leading multi-functional operations, including food production, staffing, logistics, and customer service.

• Experience with USDA school meal programs and regulations strongly preferred.

• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with budgets, P&L management, and cost control.

• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Strong customer service and relationship-management skills.

• A hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance day-to-day execution with strategic thinking.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Nutrition, or a related field preferred.

• ServSafe Manager certification preferred; School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) certification is a plus.

Schedule

Full-time, primarily weekday hours, with flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends based on school schedules and catered events.

Salary

$90,000-110,000 depending on experience

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Profit Sharing