Food Operations Manager 3

Success is yours when you collaborate and work hard in our team-based culture.

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking a Food Operations Manager 3 to join our dining leadership team at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. This position is ideal for a hands-on, customer-service–driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced, university and hospitality environment.

The Food Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations of a comprehensive and dynamic dining program that includes resident dining, multiple retail locations, catering services, and concessions. This leader will play a key role in ensuring operational excellence, team development, and an exceptional student dining experience.

This role requires a visible, proactive manager who excels in service standards, training, client relations, financial management, safety, and human resources. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, leadership experience in higher education or large-scale food service, and a passion for hospitality.

• Lead daily operations for resident dining, retail locations, and catering functions.

• Ensure consistent adherence to Sodexo’s service standards, safety, and compliance programs.

• Manage, coach, and develop a large, diverse team of managers and frontline employees (union environment).

• Partner with the client to maintain positive relationships and address operational needs proactively.

• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and budget management to meet financial goals.

• Drive customer satisfaction through service excellence, innovation, and attention to detail.

• Uphold human resources standards, including hiring, onboarding, and performance development.

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.

• Progressive management experience in food service or hospitality (college/university experience strongly preferred).

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, mentor, and motivate large teams.

• Experience managing financials, budgets, and P&L performance.

• Demonstrated success with retail dining operations, safety programs, and quality assurance.

• Excellent client relationship and communication skills.

• Union management experience a plus.

• A passion for hospitality and commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience.

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.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years   

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.