Test Site Kitchen Operations

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Core Operations : Real Estate & Facilities : Facilities

This role is for a Kitchen Operations Lead at a defense technology company. The primary responsibilities involve overseeing food and beverage programs at nationwide test sites, including program ownership, vendor management, financial performance, and operational consistency. The role also involves piloting and scaling future-facing food and beverage programs. The company mentions AI, computer vision, and autonomy in its general description but this specific role is focused on operations and hospitality, not AI development or deployment.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead end-to-end F&B programs (launch → optimize) across test sites
  2. Align with site leadership on headcount, user needs, and operational realities; serve as primary F&B point of contact
  3. Source, negotiate, and manage vendors; ensure quality, consistency, and scalability
  4. Own P&L, forecasting, and long-range budget planning; drive cost efficiency
  5. Build and standardize SOPs; audit for quality, consistency, and compliance

Skills

Required

  • US citizen with a clean record
  • Background check + good credit score
  • Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of experience in foodservice operations, corporate dining, or hospitality management
  • Strong background in multi-site operations or program management
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and service contracts
  • Deep understanding of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
  • Proven financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
  • Ability to work well in stressful high pressure situations
  • Ability to handle problems effectively
  • Ability to manage expectations
  • Walking & giving direction most of the working day
  • Standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs & ladders
  • Travel to auxiliary locations regularly, up to 50%
  • Occasionally requires wearing of personal protective safety equipment
  • Occasionally requires lifting to perform duties & responsibilities
  • Able to lift up to 50lbs
  • Able to push/pull carts & equipment weighing in excess of 300lbs occasionally

What the JD emphasized

  • Must be a US citizen with a clean record. Background check + good credit score is essential.
  • Must work well in stressful high pressure situations maintaining composure and objectivity under pressure, calm in chaos mindset.
  • Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace including anticipating/preventing/identifying and solving problems as necessary; managing expectations is key.