Food Operations Manager 1

Sodexo; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Welln

401(k) Plan with Matching

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a capable on-site Food Service Manager in DeKalb, IL to oversee daily operations, drive safety, quality, and service outcomes, and manage a team to meet client expectations.

You will influence financial and operational performance, lead staff development, and execute strategic initiatives while ensuring compliance with HACCP standards and high-volume dining requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading on-site food service teams.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in high-volume dining environments.
• Ability to plan and execute operational and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing on-site food service team.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across operations.
• Drive client satisfaction through operational excellence and planning.

Skills

Team leadership

HACCP knowledge

High-volume dining

Operational planning

Creativity & sustainability

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Job description

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: $56270 per year - $72820 per year

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.