Director, Project Management - Operations & Mobilization

Sodexo Group; New York (NY); Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading services company is seeking a Director of Project Management to provide strategic leadership for both new mobilizations and existing operations. This remote position involves 75% travel. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience in project management within hospitality or related fields, demonstrating strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Care

401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Career Growth Opportunities

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in project management.
• Experience in hospitality, food & beverage, or related operational environments.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead project management efforts for new business mobilizations.
• Oversee operational scheduling for event-day readiness.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and permitting requirements.

Skills

Project management in hospitality

Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365

Operational workflows knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Leadership capabilities

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Smartsheet

Asana

Job description

Role Overview

Sodexo Live! Airport Lounges is seeking an experienced Director, Project Management – Operations & Mobilization.

The Director of Project Management will provide strategic leadership and hands-on support for both new business mobilizations and existing business operations, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals. This leader will serve as a key partner to the VP, Premium Services and on-site operational teams, driving execution excellence and accountability across multiple workstreams.

This is a remote position with 75% travel.

Our airport lounges are dedicated spaces for passengers to relax and rejuvenate while awaiting their next adventure. Join our team of experience makers and food fanatics and be part of creating memorable experiences!

Incentives

Annual Incentive Plan

What You'll Do

New Business Development

• RFP & Presentation Support
  • Oversees the end-to-end Critical Path for proposal and presentation readiness, ensuring all deliverables are tracked and met.
  • Develops and maintains the Run of Show for new business events.
  • Provides strategic oversight of operational scheduling (FOH/BOH) for event-day readiness.
  • Directs logistics planning, including vendor coordination, rentals, deliveries, and pick-ups.
  • Provides leadership presence and operational support on-site during key events, in coordination with the VP of Premium Services.
• Mobilizations
  • Leads licensing and permitting processes with jurisdictional authorities (City/State/Airport), ensuring all compliance requirements are met before opening.
  • Chairs Weekly Critical Path Meetings, holding stakeholders accountable for progress on mobilization tasks.
  • Distributes Weekly Executive Notes with clear follow-up actions and ownership.
  • Ensures on-site leadership presence during new openings or handovers to guarantee operational compliance and successful transitions.
  • Oversees the Mobilization-to-Stabilization handover 30 days post-opening, ensuring business continuity.

Existing Business Operations

• Resource Deployment & Compliance
  • Provides leadership to the Resource Management Team, ensuring effective deployment based on operational needs.
  • Implements accountability frameworks for Resource Managers, requiring timely Post-Visit Recaps with actionable insights.
  • Establishes calendar-based tracking for follow-up on operational improvements and compliance initiatives.
  • Partners with Sodexo’s corporate team to oversee all licensing and permitting renewals across the portfolio.
• Premium Projects & Partnerships
  • Directs Critical Path management for special projects, ensuring cross-functional alignment with Premium Services.
  • Owns and maintains the SOP Database (Steps of Service, Recipes, Training Materials, etc.), ensuring timely updates in collaboration with Premium Services and Alliance Leadership.
  • Partners with operations leadership to drive innovation, service excellence, and consistency across all premium business lines.

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

• Proven success leading large-scale project management efforts in hospitality, food & beverage, or related operational environments.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365, with advanced knowledge of Smartsheet, Asana, or equivalent project management platforms.
• Deep understanding of operational workflows (FOH and BOH), permitting/licensing, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills, with a track record of influencing stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution.

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 Degreeor equivalent experienceMinimum Management Requirement: 7 yearsMinimum Functional Requirement: 7 years in operations, client-facing roles, or related fields