Retail Operations Manager

Sodexo; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo is looking for a Retail/Catering Operations Manager for The University of Alabama Birmingham. The role entails managing day-to-day operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and leading a team to enhance the dining experience on campus. Ideal candidates will bring a strong blend of leadership and operational excellence to this fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Relocation Assistance Available

Medical, Dental, Vision Care

401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Career Growth Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of management experience in retail operations.
• Experience in college or university dining operations preferred.
• Comfort with technology and emerging tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across retail dining and catering.
• Maintain high client satisfaction through effective leadership.
• Implement HACCP safety programs and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Customer Focus

Operational Excellence

Safety Mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Digital Tools

Reporting Systems

Job description

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Role Overview

Take Your Leadership to the Next Level

Sodexo is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Retail/Catering Operations Manager for The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) located in Birmingham, Al. UAB is an urban college campus that cares about its students, faculty, and community. UAB is an internationally renowned and the first Health Promoting University in the United States. UAB has an enrollment of over 20,000 students, gaining education and personal development. Our campus dining program includes multiple retail outlets, high-end catering, and residential dining. UAB has an ambitious client with incredible vision, engagement, innovation, and creativity.

Reporting to the Resident District Manager, the Retail/Catering Operations Manager will be involved in all day-to-day operations. In this role, you will lead and elevate the performance of our catering/retail operations. This individual will play a critical role in shaping customer experience, optimizing daily operations, and driving financial performance across our catering/retail locations. As a strategic leader and hands-on operator, the ideal candidate will bring a blend of operational excellence, team development, and innovation to a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. You’ll also have a comfort with technology and an eagerness to adopt new tools and programs to enhance the retail dining experience.

Incentives

*Relocation Assistance Available*

What You'll Do

• Promote and ensure a zero-harm mindset—prioritizing the safety of our teams, guests, and food.
• Oversee daily operations across retail dining locations, including branded concepts, and Catering operations.
• Drive exceptional food quality and customer service across all units.
• Uphold Sodexo’s financial control protocols.
• Deliver and maintain high client satisfaction through strong service execution and team leadership.
• Supervise, mentor, and support front-line staff, supervisors, and (6) managers in daily activities.
• Implement and maintain HACCP safety programs, Sodexo initiatives, and operational standards.
• Lead training efforts related to opening/closing procedures, compliance, and team development.

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.

What You Bring

• Have experience managing multi-unit retail operations, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Be comfortable with digital tools, reporting systems, and emerging retail technologies.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and mentoring skills to guide frontline teams.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with high standards for food and service.

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.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in retail operations