Role Overview

Senior Manager, Area Support – Culinary

Sodexo is seeking a creative, open‑minded Senior Manager, Area Support – Culinary to lead and elevate dining operations across a portfolio of Corporate Services locations. This role is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives on innovation, collaboration, and driving excellence at scale.

As a key strategic partner, you will oversee diverse culinary programs and ensure exceptional execution across cafés, micro‑kitchens, retail outlets, and catering operations. You will guide menu development, champion high‑quality food presentation, and inspire teams to deliver memorable dining experiences that reflect Sodexo’s commitment to quality, hospitality, and forward‑thinking food culture.

In this role, you will provide leadership and coaching to Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, and frontline culinary teams—strengthening consistency, elevating standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Success requires strong client engagement, disciplined financial management of food and labor costs, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. This role supports a high‑profile client that is part of Sodexo’s Global Strategic Account portfolio, requiring exceptional partnership, communication, and operational excellence 

This is both a hands‑on and strategic culinary leadership position. We are looking for a visionary culinary professional who leads with curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for excellence—someone who will help shape the future of our culinary programs and bring our mission to life.

What You'll Do

• Lead and elevate culinary operations across multiple Corporate Services locations, ensuring consistent excellence in food quality, presentation, and guest experience.

• Coach and develop Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, and frontline teams to strengthen skills, creativity, and operational discipline.

• Oversee menu innovation and culinary program design across cafés, micro‑kitchens, retail outlets, and catering environments.

• Build strong client partnerships, anticipating needs and delivering solutions that enhance satisfaction and trust.

• Drive financial performance through disciplined management of food and labor costs, purchasing practices, and production systems.

• Ensure uncompromising standards in food safety, sanitation, and sustainability while supporting new openings, transitions, and special initiatives.

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• A creative, forward‑thinking culinary point of view with the ability to translate trends, guest insights, and client needs into compelling, scalable food experiences.

• Proven leadership experience guiding Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, and diverse culinary teams, with a track record of building strong culture, accountability, and operational excellence.

• Deep expertise in menu development, production systems, and culinary operations across cafés, micro‑kitchens, retail, and catering environments.

• Strong financial acumen, including the ability to manage food and labor costs, optimize purchasing, and drive performance without compromising quality.

• Exceptional communication and client‑facing skills, with the confidence to influence, collaborate, and build trust at all levels.

• A commitment to sustainability, food safety, and continuous improvement, bringing both hands‑on skill and strategic vision to every initiative.

• A valid driver’s license in good standing.

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 5 years   

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in operations