Program/Contract Manager – Food Services (DFAC Operations)

About the role

We are seeking a senior Program/Contract Manager to lead a mission‑facing food‑service operation in Puntland, Somalia. The role oversees daily meal production, delivery, quality assurance, food safety, logistics and customer interface for a DFAC‑style facility supporting U.S. government and allied forces.

Key responsibilities

• Lead overall contract performance, cost, schedule, compliance and customer interface.
• Translate performance work statements into staffing, facility, supplier, delivery, QA/QC and documentation controls.
• Manage mobilization, readiness gates, risk register, surge planning, corrective actions and daily performance rhythm.
• Oversee functional leads including Food Service Manager, Site Operations, QA/QC, Procurement, Logistics, HSE, Access/Vetting, Maintenance and HR/Admin.
• Maintain audit‑ready records, staffing/access rosters, customer reports, vendor controls, incident logs and corrective‑action files.
• Ensure daily enforcement of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, delivery timing and force‑health protection standards.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in USG, USMIL, BOS, DFAC, LOGCAP/AFCAP, contingency operations, OCONUS logistics, camp services or mission‑support management.
• Prior experience supporting U.S. forces, embassies, UN/EU missions or major prime contractors is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage local‑national teams, subcontractors, vendors and compliance documentation.
• Strong English communication and reporting skills; Somali or Arabic capability preferred through staff or interpreters.
• Degree preferred; equivalent BOS/OCONUS experience accepted.

Required skills

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Lean Six Sigma methodology.
• Experience with LOGCAP/AFCAP contracts.
• Food‑service contract management expertise.