Food Operations Manager 3

Sodexo; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 82,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Healthcare benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 3 for the University of Colorado at Denver, located in Denver, Colorado. This leadership role oversees on-site dining operations across two locations (City Heights Dining Hall and Milo’s Den) and partners with the General Manager/Culinary Director to drive culinary excellence and student satisfaction.

With a strong emphasis on safety, cost control, and guest experience, you will drive operational performance and deliver high-quality service while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3 years of management experience.
• 3 years related experience in food service.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team that directly influences client satisfaction and daily service experiences.
• Drive operational excellence across food quality, safety, and service delivery.
• Manage high-volume dining operations with ownership of financial and performance outcomes.
• Champion sustainability initiatives and culinary standards that elevate the dining experience.
• Build trusted client partnerships while delivering on contractual commitments.
• Gain professional growth through responsibility for people leadership, planning, and execution.

Skills

High-volume production

Kitchen operations

Menu execution

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 3 for the University of Colorado at Denver, located in Denver, Colorado.

This Food Operations manager will oversee all the dining business on campus. Valid driver license is required.

About the job

Join a leadership role responsible for overseeing on‑site food service operations and delivering consistent, high‑quality service outcomes. This position drives operational performance, safety compliance, financial results, and long‑term client success through hands‑on leadership and strategic execution.

Pay Range: $81685 - $105710

What’s in it for you

Opportunity to lead culinary and dining operations at CU Denver across two unique dining locations. Work alongside the General Manager/Culinary Director to drive culinary excellence, operational improvements, and student satisfaction.

Join Sodexo Campus Services in a leadership role with opportunities for professional growth, culinary innovation, and team development while making a meaningful impact on the campus dining experience.

• Lead a high-performing team that directly influences client satisfaction and daily service experiences.
• Drive operational excellence across food quality, safety, and service delivery.
• Manage high-volume dining operations with ownership of financial and performance outcomes.
• Champion sustainability initiatives and culinary standards that elevate the dining experience.
• Build trusted client partnerships while delivering on contractual commitments.
• Gain professional growth through responsibility for people leadership, planning, and execution.

What you’ll bring

Strong culinary background with experience in high-volume food production, kitchen operations, menu execution, and team leadership. Ability to oversee daily culinary operations at City Heights Dining Hall and Milo’s Den.

Experience managing food and labor costs, inventory, food safety, and operational performance. Hands‑on leadership skills with the ability to develop culinary teams, maintain food quality, and deliver an exceptional student dining experience.

• Experience leading, training, and developing on‑site food service teams.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards, regulatory requirements, and high-volume dining environments.
• Hospitality-focused approach centered on service quality and guest experience.
• Experience developing and executing operational and strategic plans aligned with client objectives.
• Creative mindset supporting culinary innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 3 years
• Related Experience: 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.