Senior Culinary Development Manager

Sodexo; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) Plan with Matching

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a strategic culinary leader to shape daily dining operations in a premier corporate environment. You will drive menu innovation, elevate food quality, and collaborate with clients, operations, and culinary teams to deliver outstanding experiences.

You’ll manage production planning, inventory oversight, and cost control while prioritizing safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards. This role offers leadership growth and cross-functional influence within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Experience guiding and engaging team members in a food service environment.
• Hands-on background in culinary production, safety, and sanitation practices.
• Strong leadership and customer-focused mindset required.

Responsibilities

• Drive menu innovation and cost-effective menu planning.
• Oversee production planning, inventory oversight, and cost tracking.
• Lead and develop team, set direction, and ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary production

Safety & sanitation

Communication

Menu planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Food management systems

Reporting tools

Basic computer applications

Job description

Bring your culinary creativity and business expertise to a premier corporate dining environment. We're seeking a strategic culinary leader to drive menu innovation, elevate food quality, and develop best-in-class dining experiencesPartner with operations, clients, and culinary teams to drive menu innovation, enhance dining experiences, improve performance, and deliver culinary excellence. Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a passion for hospitality.About the jobStep into a role where you’ll help shape daily food service operations while ensuring quality, efficiency, and consistency. You’ll support production planning, inventory oversight, and cost control, contributing to a seamless experience for clients, customers, and team members alike.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: $120190 per year - $155540 per yearIncentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salaryWhat’s in it for youA hands-on role with visibility into daily operations while coordinating high-quality food production and service.Ownership of purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and cost tracking to support operational and financial goals.Opportunities to influence menu planning, costing, and food quality outcomes that align with client expectations.Meaningful collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and internal partners to enhance service delivery.The chance to guide and oversee team members, building leadership experience while ensuring consistency and compliance.A supportive, team-focused environment that prioritizes safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards.Ongoing opportunities to improve processes and contribute to continuous operational excellence.What you’ll bringExperience guiding and engaging team members in a food service environment.Hands-on background in culinary production, safety, and sanitation practices.Skill in organizing priorities, managing competing demands, and adapting to changing needs.Clear communication style paired with a customer-focused mindset.Familiarity with food management systems, reporting tools, and basic computer applications.RequirementsEducation Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experienceManagement Experience: 5 yearsRelated Experience: 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.