Culinary Operations Specialist - Kansas City

Applications must be submitted on OBR's website: https://operationbbqrelief.org/careers/

Work Location: This is both a remote and in warehouse position. The candidate must reside in, or be willing to move to, the greater Kansas City area.

Job Title: Culinary Ops Specialist
Position Status: Full Time / Salary                
Classification: Exempt
Department: Programs                                              
Reports To: Head of Culinary Operations
Supervises: N/A                                                         
Prepared Date: Jan 2026
 
Position Summary: The Culinary Ops Specialist is focused on managing, conducting and overseeing repairs and maintenance in support of OBR events around the country and serving on Disaster Deployments in a lead role. This role will also facilitate programs in concert with Head of Culinary Operations and Director of Operations. This position may require travel for up to 2 weeks per month in accordance with company policies.
 
Essential Functions
 
Professional & Technical Requirements

• Cultivate organizational culture by educating volunteers and employees on OBR’s core processes, procedures, and mission-driven values (The OBR Way).
• Communicate directly with Programs personnel across Camp OBR, Culinary, and Operations to develop educational content that adheres to "The OBR Way" brand standards.
• Maintain a current ServSafe Manager certification or commit to completing the training upon hire.
• Execute lead roles during disaster and non-disaster deployments, adapting to various positions as operational needs evolve.
• Prepare, smoke, grill, and package high-volume meals while providing clear technical instruction to team members, students & volunteers on how to do so properly.

Operations & Logistics

• Operate and maintain all OBR equipment in strict accordance with organizational standards and safety protocols.
• Transport equipment nationwide in full compliance with DOT regulations, prioritizing safety and legal standards.
• Manage the sanitation and maintenance of smokers, kitchen equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
• Coordinate trailer packing, equipment repairs, and general maintenance to support operational readiness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues in coordination with the FAST team to ensure timely repairs.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise diverse volunteer teams to ensure OBR standards and operational processes are upheld.
• Collaborate with colleagues to build cohesive teams and personnel cohorts for disaster response and special events.
• Partner with management to conduct needs-assessments and surveys that identify future training requirements.
• Deploy for up to two weeks per month to support feeding operations and charitable missions during disaster and non-disaster events.

·      Contribute to programmatic and operational planning for both disaster and non-disaster initiatives.
·      Assist in Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and organizational protocols.
·      Direct all aspects of site safety when present at OBR deployments and events.
Culinary & Media Specialized Duties

• Oversee OBR test and media kitchens, collaborating with culinary staff to maintain facility standards.
• Produce culinary-focused media, including videos and podcasts, in collaboration with the marketing and culinary teams.
• Assist in training Regional Directors and Area Coordinators on advanced culinary skills and food safety protocols.

·      Support Regional Directors and Area Coordinators in maintaining food safety and "The OBR Way" brand standards at local events.

• Exercise autonomous supervisory authority over volunteers and employees during live events and deployments.
• Brief personnel on specific tasks, conditions, and standards to ensure operational clarity in OBR culinary facilities.

Administrative & Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in all required OBR meetings, conference calls, and virtual briefings (Webex/Zoom).
• Execute all assigned administrative responsibilities, including HR documentation, training requirements, expense reporting, performance evaluations, and operational exercises.
• Perform all job functions in compliance with company policies and procedures and with

company mission, vision, and goals in mind.

• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

 
Required Skills:

• Maintain a clean driving record and valid license.
• Master the operation and maintenance of all OBR culinary equipment.
• Operate forklifts safely (certification training provided if needed).
• Expert-level trailer towing, loading, reversing, and parking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and goals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Office Suite

 
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Language Ability:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
 
Math Ability:
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions,
percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
 
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
 
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and internet software.
 
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.
 
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 
At-Will Status:
Operation BBQ Relief retains its right to employ employees “at will.” Either the employee or Operation BBQ Relief may terminate the employment relationship at any time. This written job description should not be considered an employment contract in any respect. Your employment is at will.