Food Operations Manager 3

Sodexo • North Andover, MA

78d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree