Project Director, Operations - Annam Amritam

Annam Amritam is building a large-scale community kitchen ecosystem focused on delivering high-quality, hygienic, nutritious, and consistent meals. We are looking for a Project Director who will lead the entire operational function of the project and drive execution across approximately 100 kitchens.

This is not a traditional operations role. As the Project Director, you will function as the operational CEO of the project, responsible for building teams, establishing systems, maintaining quality, ensuring food safety, and scaling operations while preserving consistency across every kitchen.

Applicants should meet any one of the following criteria:

• Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management, Hospitality Management, Food Production, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
  
• Diploma in Hotel Management, Food Production, Culinary Arts, Kitchen Operations, or Hospitality Management from a recognized institution.
  
• Candidates without a formal degree or diploma may also apply if they possess at least 5 years of proven experience managing commercial kitchen operations, central kitchens, cloud kitchens, institutional catering, hotel kitchens, airline catering, or large restaurant operations.
  

Practical operational experience will be given preference over academic qualifications. We value individuals who have successfully managed kitchen operations, led teams, maintained hygiene standards, and delivered consistent food quality at scale.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to build one of India's most ambitious community kitchen networks from the ground up.

As Project Director, you will:

• Lead operations across approximately 100+ kitchens.
  
• Build and mentor a high-performing leadership team.
  
• Shape the operational standards and culinary excellence of the organization.
  
• Receive a competitive fixed salary, company-provided accommodation, and a performance-based equity stake in the project.
  
• Play a pivotal role in creating a scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful food service ecosystem.
  
• Work with complete ownership and autonomy to drive the project's long-term success.
  

• Lead end-to-end operations for approximately 100 kitchens.
  
• Develop and implement SOPs for all kitchen operations.
  
• Ensure operational excellence, consistency, and efficiency across all locations.
  
• Monitor productivity, food quality, service standards, and customer satisfaction.
  
• Drive continuous operational improvements.
  

Recruit, train, mentor, and manage:

• Regional Operations Managers
  
• Kitchen Managers
  
• Executive Chefs and Kitchen Staff
  
• Procurement Team
  
• Inventory Team
  
• Delivery & Logistics Team
  
• Quality & Hygiene Team
  

Build a culture of accountability, discipline, ownership, and excellence.

• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.
  
• Ensure kitchens are fully sanitized before operations begin and after daily closure.
  
• Monitor kitchen readiness, equipment maintenance, and compliance with SOPs.
  
• Oversee pre-production, production, and post-production activities.
  
• Ensure minimal food wastage and maximum operational efficiency.
  

• Possess strong working knowledge of Indian regional cuisines.
  
• Understand the fundamentals of English/Continental cuisine.
  
• Train newly recruited Annam Amritam chefs on standardized recipes, presentation, portioning, and kitchen practices.
  
• Maintain consistency in taste, quality, and preparation across all kitchens.
  

• Build and supervise procurement systems.
  
• Develop vendor relationships.
  
• Ensure quality sourcing of ingredients.
  
• Control food costs and inventory losses.
  
• Establish efficient stock management practices.
  

• Travel extensively to operational locations.
  
• Conduct surprise inspections and operational audits.
  
• Resolve operational challenges.
  
• Support new kitchen launches and expansion initiatives.
  

• Maximum 5 years of experience managing commercial kitchen operations.
  
• Experience managing multiple kitchens or large food production facilities is highly preferred.
  
• Strong understanding of:
  • Kitchen workflows
    
  • Food production planning
    
  • Hygiene and sanitation standards
    
  • Procurement
    
  • Inventory management
    
  • Team leadership
    
• Experience in central kitchens, cloud kitchens, institutional catering, hotel kitchens, airline catering, or large restaurant chains will be an advantage.
  

• Exceptional leadership and people management.
  
• Strong operational planning and execution.
  
• Ability to build teams from the ground up.
  
• High attention to detail.
  
• Excellent decision-making under pressure.
  
• Problem-solving mindset.
  
• Financial and commercial awareness.
  
• Willingness to travel extensively.
  
• Excellent communication skills in Hindi and English.
  

• Competitive Fixed Salary
  
• Equity / Stake in the Annam Amritam Project (performance and agreement based)
  
• Company-provided accommodation
  
• Opportunity to build and lead one of India's most ambitious community kitchen initiatives.
  
• Long-term leadership role with significant growth potential
  

We are looking for an individual who:

• Leads from the front.
  
• Is passionate about food operations and kitchen excellence.
  
• Can build large teams and develop future leaders.
  
• Believes in discipline, hygiene, consistency, and operational excellence.
  
• Is willing to travel extensively and be hands-on whenever required.
  
• Takes complete ownership of the project's success.
  

Due to the intensive nature of this leadership assignment, the selected candidate must be able to dedicate their full professional attention to the project, including extensive travel and relocation to company-provided accommodation when required. Operational availability and mobility are essential requirements of this role.