Operations Specialist

Upper Crust Food Service•Lawrence, KS

59d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ops Coordinator is the operational engine of an extended subregion. You work side-by-side with the Area Manager, absorbing the logistics, scheduling, and on-the-ground coordination that keep our houses running — so the AM can stay focused on partners, chefs, and standards. This is a field role with real responsibility. You’re in the houses, solving problems in real time, building credibility with chefs and staff, and learning the business from every angle. For the right person, this role is the clearest path to becoming an Area Manager at Upper Crust.

Requirements

Experience in food service, hospitality, or multi-site operations — ideally in a coordination, supervisory, or lead role.
Operational instincts: you’re organized, responsive, and comfortable juggling shifting priorities.
Calm under pressure — especially when a shift needs covering on short notice.
Strong communication skills; you can hold a conversation with a chef at 6 AM and a partner at 10 AM with equal professionalism.
Willingness to travel within the subregion and be present where the work is happening.
Genuine interest in building a career in field operations leadership.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain staffing schedules across the subregion’s houses, ensuring consistent coverage across every shift.
Serve as first responder for last-minute staffing gaps — call-outs, no-shows, emergencies. You make the calls and fill the shifts.
Maintain a current bench of qualified relief staff and track availability proactively.
Coordinate with vendors on deliveries, invoicing questions, and supply issues.
Manage logistics for new house onboarding — equipment, setup timelines, staffing plans.
Own the operational details so the Area Manager can focus on partner relationships.
Conduct regular site visits across the subregion to check in with chefs and observe operations.
Identify issues early — operational, staffing, or facility — and escalate with context and a proposed solution.
Support chefs in the field: problem-solve with them, not around them.
Serve as the day-to-day logistical contact for on-site partners when operational questions arise.
Handle logistical and coordination-level conversations; route relationship and commercial matters to the Area Manager.
Represent Upper Crust with the same professionalism and care our partners expect from the AM.
Uphold Upper Crust’s service and safety standards on every site visit.
Learn the business end-to-end: partner dynamics, P&L drivers, menu planning, chef development.
Build the judgment and relationships that position you for the Area Manager path.