Food Operations Manager 1

Sodexo; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo in Reston, VA seeks an Operations Manager to lead on-site cafe operations, drive service excellence, and manage teams in a fast-paced corporate dining environment.

You will partner with clients to strengthen relationships, oversee safety and regulatory compliance (HACCP), and deliver world-class workplace dining through strategic planning and team development.

Qualifications

• Experience leading, training, and developing on-site food service teams.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and regulatory compliance.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee on-site cafe operations and dining services to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
• Lead and develop front-line teams, ensuring high performance and safety standards.
• Foster strong client relationships and align service with contractual commitments.
• Drive operational performance, safety, and financial outcomes through strategic execution.

Skills

People leadership

Team development

Customer service

Operations management

HACCP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

High-volume dining

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Sodexo Corporate Services seeks an Operations Manager in Reston, VA to lead café operations, drive service excellence, manage teams, foster client relationships, and ensure exceptional workplace dining experiences in a fast-paced corporate environment.The Ideal candidates bring strong hospitality / corporate services leadership experience, a customer-focused mindset, and a passion for delivering world-class results. Success in this role requires strong communication, team development.About the jobJoin 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 per year - $87230 per yearWhat’s in it for youLead 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 bringExperience 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.RequirementsEducation Requirement: Associate degree or equivalent experienceManagement Experience: 2 - 3 yearsRelated Experience: 2 - 3 yearsWhat we offerCompensation 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 Programs401(k) Plan with Matching ContributionsPaid Time Off and Company HolidaysCareer Growth Opportunities and Tuition ReimbursementMore extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.Who we areAt 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.