CEO (Chief Executive Officer) - Food Services

Our client, an employee-owned specialty food service company in Tucson, is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer to lead their organization through its next phase of growth. This position offers the rare opportunity to step into a leadership role previously held by a founder/owner of 25+ years, guiding a passionate team while maintaining the company's reputation for excellence and employee-centered culture.

Our client has established a strong presence in the Tucson area through their innovative approach to food service. With an employee ownership structure (ESOP), the company is deeply invested in creating sustainability for its team members while delivering exceptional service. As they navigate the evolving landscape of corporate dining and catering, they remain committed to their 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

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for all business operations

• Report directly to the Board while managing senior leadership team
• Drive financial performance and strengthen the company's position for employee-owners
• Navigate the growth opportunities presented by the increasing return-to-work trends impacting corporate dining services
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders
• Create a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence
• Implement systems and processes that support sustainable growth
• Represent the company in 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

Preferred:

• 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

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain exceptional leadership talent:

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary range of $150,000-$200,000 annually
• Performance Incentives: 2-3% of net profit bonus structure
• Ownership Opportunity: Participation in the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance benefits
• Work-Life Balance: Negotiable paid leave structure tailored to your needs
• Professional Development: Opportunity for future Board position and continued growth

Additional Details

• Travel: Approximately 33% travel required
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid position based on business demands
• 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

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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.