Position Summary
Carmen's Café is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the daily execution of our aviation catering and off-site catering operations.
This is not simply a chef position. We are looking for a leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving logistical challenges, and takes ownership of every order from production through delivery.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for organizing kitchen production, leading staff, ensuring food quality, maintaining food safety standards, coordinating deliveries, and creating systems that allow the business to grow.
Success in this role means the owner can confidently step away from daily kitchen operations knowing every order will be executed correctly and on time.
About Carmen's Café
Carmen's Café is a rapidly growing specialty catering company serving:
- Private Aviation (NetJets, charter operators, FBOs)
- Corporate Catering
- Weddings
- Private Events
- Executive Lunches
- Cocktail Receptions
Every day is different.
One morning may involve preparing breakfast for multiple aircraft while simultaneously producing boxed lunches, hors d'oeuvres, and wedding meals.
We are building systems for long-term growth and are looking for someone excited to grow with us.
Primary Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations
- Lead daily kitchen production
- Create production schedules
- Organize prep priorities
- Assign work to kitchen staff
- Ensure recipes are followed consistently
- Verify portion control
- Maintain quality standards
- Troubleshoot production issues
Aviation Catering
Coordinate production for private aircraft catering including:
- Individual passenger meals
- Flight crew meals
- VIP catering
- Last-minute orders
- Special dietary requests
- International departures when applicable
Ensure every aviation order is:
- Accurate
- Beautifully presented
- Properly packaged
- Delivered on schedule
Off-Site Catering
Coordinate production and packing for:
- Weddings
- Corporate events
- Holiday parties
- University functions
- Cocktail receptions
- Buffet service
Verify that every event leaves the kitchen with:
- Correct food
- Proper quantities
- Serving utensils
- Disposable items
- Equipment
- Written packing verification
Staff Leadership
Lead by example.
Responsibilities include:
- Delegating work
- Coaching employees
- Training new staff
- Maintaining accountability
- Setting daily expectations
- Building positive morale
- Identifying future leaders
Inventory & Purchasing
- Monitor inventory levels
- Maintain par levels
- Receive deliveries
- Rotate inventory (FIFO)
- Reduce waste
- Notify owner of purchasing needs
- Assist with vendor relationships
Food Safety
Maintain compliance with:
- ServSafe standards
- HACCP procedures
- Louisiana Department of Health regulations
- Temperature logs
- Cleaning schedules
- Labeling and dating
- Equipment sanitation
Systems Development
We are looking for someone who enjoys improving operations.
Examples include creating or improving:
- Prep sheets
- Production schedules
- Kitchen SOPs
- Inventory systems
- Cleaning checklists
- Recipe books
- Packing checklists
- Employee training materials
Daily Responsibilities
Typical daily activities include:
- Review upcoming events
- Prioritize production
- Lead morning staff meeting
- Assign prep responsibilities
- Monitor quality throughout production
- Verify all orders before departure
- Assist during busy periods
- Manage kitchen cleanliness
- Complete end-of-day walkthrough
Qualifications
Preferred:
- 5+ years culinary leadership experience
- Catering production experience
- High-volume kitchen experience
- Supervisory or management experience
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to prioritize multiple events simultaneously
- Excellent communication skills
- ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
- Takes ownership without being asked
- Solves problems independently
- Remains calm under pressure
- Thinks several steps ahead
- Loves organization
- Leads with humility
- Holds people accountable respectfully
- Has high personal standards
- Enjoys building systems
- Wants a long-term leadership opportunity
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Stand for extended periods
- Work in hot and cold environments
- Load and unload catering equipment
- Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely
- Valid driver's license preferred
Success in the First 90 Days
The successful candidate will:
- Learn Carmen's Café recipes and standards
- Become proficient in aviation catering procedures
- Independently manage daily kitchen production
- Successfully lead staff through multiple events
- Reduce owner involvement in day-to-day kitchen decisions
- Improve at least one operational system or workflow
- Demonstrate reliability, initiative, and leadership
Growth Opportunity
This is more than a kitchen management position.
As Carmen's Café continues to grow, this role has the potential to evolve into a Director of Operations, overseeing kitchen production, logistics, staffing, purchasing, and operational systems across multiple service lines.
We are looking for someone who wants to build a career—not just fill a position.
Compensation
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Paid time off (as applicable)
- Professional development opportunities
- Performance-based bonus potential
- Significant opportunity for advancement as the company grows
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys the challenge of balancing culinary excellence with operational leadership and wants to play a key role in building one of the premier catering companies in the Baton Rouge region.
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Experience:
- Kitchen management: 3 years (Preferred)
Location:
- Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
