Food Operations Manager 3

Sodexo•Waco, TX

About The Position

Sodexo Schools is seeking a Food Operations Manager 3 to support a large, complex food and nutrition program at Waco Independent School District (Waco ISD) in Waco, TX. Waco ISD is a long-standing, premier Sodexo client serving 24 schools and approximately 15,000 students. This is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, team engagement, innovation, and program growth across the district. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who can develop people, strengthen client relationships, and ensure high-quality service that supports students, staff, and the broader school community. 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. 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.

Requirements

Experience managing large-scale K‑12 food service operations
Strong people leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop managers and frontline teams
Working knowledge of NSLP guidelines and USDA commodities
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Experience with food costing, catering operations, and financial controls
Strong client relationship, communication, and team-building skills
Passion for student nutrition, community involvement, and continuous improvement
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.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers and hourly associates to deliver consistent, high-quality food service operations
Oversee front-of-house operations, including marketing, customer service, and program promotion
Manage food production, purchasing, receiving, and inventory control
Ensure compliance with NSLP guidelines, USDA regulations, and district standards
Drive innovation, operational improvements, and sales growth across the program
Build strong partnerships with district leadership, school administrators, and community stakeholders
Manage budgets, food costing, accounts receivable/payable, and implement unit-level financial controls
Support employee engagement, performance management, training, and retention