Food Service Lead (FSS Lead) - Military Dining Facility (DFAC)
Position Summary
The Food Service Lead (FSS Lead) oversees daily operations within a military dining facility, ensuring all food service, sanitation, and customer service activities meet contract, regulatory, and military standards. This role supervises Mess Attendants (FSS), enforces compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), and supports leadership in maintaining an efficient, safe, and mission-ready DFAC environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Four (2) years of experience in government or commercial kitchen and dining facilities.
- At least 1 year in a supervisory or lead worker capacity.
- ServSafe Manager or equivalent Food Safety Supervisor certification required.
- Strong work ethic and demonstrated leadership ability.
Leadership & Supervision- Supervise all Mess Attendants (FSS) and oversee day-to-day dining facility operations.
- Assign and monitor work tasks, inspect performance, and ensure all food service activities meet PWS, SOPs, and quality standards.
- Conduct facility walkthroughs to verify food presentation, employee conduct, sanitation, and readiness.
- Provide coaching, direction, and corrective action consistent with organizational policies.
Compliance & Operational Oversight- Ensure full compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), HACCP guidelines, safety protocols, and sanitation standards.
- Ensure execution of all Building and Equipment Cleaning Plans.
- Maintain documentation and verify staff adherence to all contract requirements.
- Address non-compliance proactively and escalate issues to the Project Manager when needed.
Training & Development- Conduct onboarding and training sessions for new employees, including safety, DFAC procedures, sanitation, and customer service expectations.
- Ensure ongoing staff development and maintain training records.
Customer & Facility Support- Interact professionally with military personnel, vendors, and staff to maintain a high level of customer service.
- Ensure food service areas, equipment, and dining spaces are mission-ready and meet military inspection standards.
- Coordinate staff activities to match meal schedules, peak service hours, and special events.
Administrative Responsibilities- Assist with staffing plans to ensure adequate manning for smooth operations.
- Oversee cashier and cash control procedures when required.
- Prepare shift logs, incident reports, and communicate operational needs to the Project Manager.
- May assume responsibilities of the Project Manager during absences.
Knowledge & SkillsKnowledge Of- Food service operations and team supervision.
- Customer service principles in a structured, high-volume environment.
- Computer software used for scheduling, reporting, and DFAC administration.
Ability To- Interpret government contracts and apply requirements effectively.
- Communicate clearly with employees, customers, and leadership.
- Evaluate staffing needs and adjust work assignments appropriately.
- Inspect food quality, sanitation, and overall setup to maintain compliance.
Physical Requirements- Frequent walking and standing for prolonged periods in a fast-paced facility.
- Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing.
- Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
- Operate office equipment such as computers, copiers, printers, and calculators.
Work Environment High-volume military dining facility with exposure to heat, noise, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment. Requires flexibility for early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and mission-driven schedule changes.
Management Rights Statement Nothing in this job description restricts management's ability to assign, modify, or reassign job duties as operational needs require.
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Food Service Lead (FSS Lead) - Military Dining Facility (DFAC)Position Summary The Food Service Lead (FSS Lead) oversees daily operations within a military dining facility, ensuring all food service, sanitation, and customer service activities meet contract, regulatory, and military standards. This role supervises Mess Attendants (FSS), enforces compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), and supports leadership in maintaining an efficient, safe, and mission-ready DFAC environment.
Minimum Qualifications- Four (2) years of experience in government or commercial kitchen and dining facilities.
- At least 1 year in a supervisory or lead worker capacity.
- ServSafe Manager or equivalent Food Safety Supervisor certification required.
- Strong work ethic and demonstrated leadership ability.
Leadership & Supervision- Supervise all Mess Attendants (FSS) and oversee day-to-day dining facility operations.
- Assign and monitor work tasks, inspect performance, and ensure all food service activities meet PWS, SOPs, and quality standards.
- Conduct facility walkthroughs to verify food presentation, employee conduct, sanitation, and readiness.
- Provide coaching, direction, and corrective action consistent with organizational policies.
Compliance & Operational Oversight- Ensure full compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), HACCP guidelines, safety protocols, and sanitation standards.
- Ensure execution of all Building and Equipment Cleaning Plans.
- Maintain documentation and verify staff adherence to all contract requirements.
- Address non-compliance proactively and escalate issues to the Project Manager when needed.
Training & Development- Conduct onboarding and training sessions for new employees, including safety, DFAC procedures, sanitation, and customer service expectations.
- Ensure ongoing staff development and maintain training records.
Customer & Facility Support- Interact professionally with military personnel, vendors, and staff to maintain a high level of customer service.
- Ensure food service areas, equipment, and dining spaces are mission-ready and meet military inspection standards.
- Coordinate staff activities to match meal schedules, peak service hours, and special events.
Administrative Responsibilities- Assist with staffing plans to ensure adequate manning for smooth operations.
- Oversee cashier and cash control procedures when required.
- Prepare shift logs, incident reports, and communicate operational needs to the Project Manager.
- May assume responsibilities of the Project Manager during absences.
Knowledge & SkillsKnowledge Of- Food service operations and team supervision.
- Customer service principles in a structured, high-volume environment.
- Computer software used for scheduling, reporting, and DFAC administration.
Ability To- Interpret government contracts and apply requirements effectively.
- Communicate clearly with employees, customers, and leadership.
- Evaluate staffing needs and adjust work assignments appropriately.
- Inspect food quality, sanitation, and overall setup to maintain compliance.
Physical Requirements- Frequent walking and standing for prolonged periods in a fast-paced facility.
- Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing.
- Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
- Operate office equipment such as computers, copiers, printers, and calculators.
Work Environment High-volume military dining facility with exposure to heat, noise, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment. Requires flexibility for early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and mission-driven schedule changes.
Management Rights Statement Nothing in this job description restricts management's ability to assign, modify, or reassign job duties as operational needs require.
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