Job Description

Role Overview

Sodexo is offering a position for a Director, Culinary Operations . The Strategic Director of Culinary Operational Support will provide strategic direction and operational support to existing client accounts within the Universities segment through the culinary network of regional chefs. The role involves enhancing the guest dining experience, promoting sustainability and wellness initiatives, and achieving business outcomes through food. This position will ensure cross-functional alignment, influence with and without authority, and represent culinary operations to internal and external stakeholders by:

• Communicating and implementing resident, retail, catering, and concession menus and culinary standards through the culinary network.
• Deploying all service solutions for culinary standards, supporting training and development where required.
• Communicating, tracking, and supporting delivery of all culinary KPIs, performance metrics, including systems/tools, plate cost, raw materials cost for catering, concession, retail, and purchasing.

This is a remote position with approximately 40-60% of travel required.

Incentives

Annual Incentive Plan

What You'll Do

• Direct the support of one or more operational functions to ensure compliance with contractual expectations on campus, including the deployment of culinary standards, menus, and processes.
• Manage the regional culinary network. Align services with company or segment initiatives.
• Provide services and leadership for implementing all services at new business sites.
• Direct resources in response to client accounts needs and requests.
• Create strategies and curriculum for managing, training, and reporting operating KPI’s.
• Ensure culinary excellence across campus services by fulfilling contractual obligations and service commitments (Predictable, Reliable, and Repeatable).
• Develop and maintain tools for training, evaluation, and quality assurance of culinary operational programs and systems/tools.
• Use analytics, consumer feedback, and operational metrics to guide decision-making, optimize performance, and report outcomes to senior leadership.
• Build and sustain a high-performing network of culinary leaders; oversee professional development, succession planning, and cultural engagement for chefs and culinary staff.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years management experience.
• Lead Culinarian who will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including clients, sales, and operations, to ensure flawless execution of culinary initiatives.
• Exceptional culinary skills (technique and knowledge).
• Strong project and time management abilities.
• Outstanding communication and problem-solving skills.
• Executive presence with a strong ability to influence across all levels of an organization, including C-suite.
• Familiarity with digital culinary platforms, automation, and food-tech integration
• Familiarity with supply chain and purchasing processes; understanding of basic sourcing principles.

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 – 7 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 7 years

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