Food Operations Manager 1

Sodexo Group; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo Live! is seeking an Operations Manager for our United Airlines Lounge at Reagan National Airport. This leadership role oversees on-site food service operations, drives guest satisfaction, and ensures safety and compliance across high-volume dining environments.

You will lead on-site teams, apply HACCP standards, manage costs, and partner with the client to meet contractual goals. Education: Associate degree or equivalent; 2–3 years in management and related experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HACCP standards and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading on-site food service teams.
• Hospitality-focused approach to service quality and guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee on-site food service operations at the lounge, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, manage schedules, and evaluate performance.
• Control costs, monitor financial results, and ensure client contractual commitments.

Skills

Food safety

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

High-volume dining

Guest experience

Operations management

Education

Associate degree or equivalent experience

Tools

HACCP

Job description

Sodexo Live! is seeking a Operations Manager for our United Airlines Lounge at Reagan Int’l Airport. Our airport lounges are dedicated spaces for passengers to relax and rejuvenate while awaiting their next adventure.

Seeking a Food Operations Manager with strong food safety expertise and F&B operational knowledge to uphold Sodexo and client standards, ensure compliance, deliver exceptional guest experiences, control costs, and lead high-performing teams.

About the job

Join a leadership role responsible for overseeing on-site food service operations and delivering exceptional service outcomes. This position drives operational performance, financial results, and client satisfaction through effective team leadership, safety oversight, and strategic execution.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $67405 - $87230

What’s in it for you

• Lead a high-performing team that directly impacts client satisfaction and daily experiences.
• Influence operational excellence through hands‑on leadership and strategic planning.
• Manage high-volume dining operations with visibility across service, safety, and financial outcomes.
• Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner closely with clients to strengthen relationships and deliver on contractual commitments.
• Gain professional growth through ownership of operations, people development, and long‑term planning.

What you’ll bring

• Experience leading, training, and developing on-site food service teams.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards, regulatory compliance, and high-volume dining environments.
• Hospitality‑focused approach centered on service quality and customer experience.
• Experience planning and executing operational and strategic initiatives aligned with client goals.
• Creative mindset supporting culinary innovation, sustainability, and team engagement.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Associate degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 2 - 3 years
• Related Experience: 2 - 3 years

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.

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.