Food Services CEO #0209

Our client, a specialty food service company in Tucson that is employee-owned, is in search of a seasoned CEO to steer their expansion. With a significant local presence and an ESOP structure, the company is committed to sustainability and outstanding service while adhering to its core values of quality, integrity, and people-first leadership.

As the CEO, you will lead and manage a diverse portfolio of three service-driven businesses operating across multiple geographical regions with a flat organizational structure:

1. Remote Camp Management Services – based in Anchorage, AK
2. Emergency Dining & Disaster Catering Services – operating nationwide with mobile units serving disaster relief and wildland firefighter camps
3. Corporate Dining Services – operating café and dining facilities in California, Pittsburgh, Albany, Chicago, and Idaho Falls

Responsibilities

• Offer strategic guidance and vision for all business operations
• Directly report to the Board while overseeing the senior leadership team
• Enhance financial performance and reinforce the company's standing for employee-owners
• Explore growth opportunities presented by the rising return-to-work trends affecting corporate dining services
• Establish and nurture relationships with key clients and stakeholders
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence
• Develop systems and processes that facilitate sustainable growth
• Serve as the company representative within the community and industry

• Proven track record of executive leadership in multi-site, service-based industries
• Experience managing operations in high-compliance environments (e.g., food service, disaster relief, remote logistics)
• Strong financial acumen and budgetary oversight experience
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead through complexity and adapt quickly to changing environments
• Willingness to travel frequently and manage a geographically dispersed team
• Ability to command a room and show a presence to the team

Desired Qualifications:

• Background in camp management, large-scale catering, or emergency services logistics
• Experience working with public sector clients or in regulated environments
• Experience managing mobile field teams and fixed-location operations simultaneously
• Experience managing multiple different business segments
• Military experience would be preferred but not necessary

• Annual base salary ranging from $150,000 to $200,000
• Performance-based bonus of 2-3% of net profits
• Involvement in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Extensive healthcare insurance coverage
• Customized paid leave options to suit your needs
• Potential for future Board membership and ongoing professional development

Additional Details

• Location: Flexible, with frequent travel required to Anchorage, nationwide emergency sites, and corporate dining locations in CA, PA, NY, IL, and ID.  Home location needs to be Tucson

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

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• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.