Food Production Manager 3

Sodexo; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) Plan with Matching

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a culinary operations leader in Lynchburg, VA. You will lead food production, procurement, and staffing to drive cost-effective, high-quality services aligned with client needs.

You will standardize systems, mentor staff, and contribute to creative menu planning, fostering strong client relationships and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 2 years management experience.
• 1 year related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead food production operations to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, quality and consistency.
• Manage procurement and inventory to optimize costs.
• Standardize culinary systems and procedures.
• Mentor staff and develop team capabilities.
• Collaborate on client-focused menu development and service excellence.
• Set direction and deploy resources; performance management and hiring decisions.

Skills

Inventory control

Purchasing

Cost management

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Coaching

Organizational skills

Digital tools

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Digital systems

Job description

About the job

In this role, you’ll lead the charge in ensuring food production operations run efficiently, cost-effectively, and with a focus on quality and consistency. You’ll play a hands-on role in managing procurement, standardizing culinary systems, mentoring staff, and contributing to client satisfaction through collaborative menu development and service excellence.

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

• Take ownership of inventory, purchasing, and production processes to drive operational excellence.

• Support a high-performing team through leadership, training, and hands-on mentorship.

• Help standardize culinary procedures and implement systems that boost efficiency and consistency.

• Contribute to creative menu planning aligned with client preferences and dietary needs.

• Build trusted relationships with clients and team members to enhance collaboration and satisfaction.

• Gain valuable experience in time management, scheduling, and labor optimization.

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where quality, innovation, and leadership are valued.

What you’ll bring

• A culinary foundation with experience in high-volume production environments.

• Proven expertise in inventory control, purchasing, and cost management.

• Effective leadership and team development skills with a passion for coaching others.

• Organizational skills, attention to detail, and comfort with digital tools and systems.

• A collaborative mindset and client-focused approach to menu planning and operational support.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or equivalent experience

• Management Experience: 2 years

• Related Experience: 1 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.