Food Operations Manager 1

Sodexo Careers•Farmington, ME

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 to join their team at the University of Maine at Farmington. This leadership role focuses on the day-to-day success of campus dining operations, with an emphasis on catering services, guest experience, and operational execution across all dining and hospitality venues. The Food Operations Manager is crucial in ensuring high-quality service for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external guests, while maintaining Sodexo’s standards and strong client relationships. This is a hands-on role that combines administrative duties with active floor leadership and direct operational support.

Requirements

Experience in catering management, food operations, or hospitality leadership, preferably in a university or high-volume setting.
Strong organizational, communication, and customer-service skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Proven ability to lead teams, coordinate staffing, and maintain high service standards in a fast-paced environment.
A hands-on leadership style with a willingness to support operations on the floor as needed.
Ability to build positive relationships with clients, guests, student groups, and campus partners.
Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and operational compliance standards.
Flexibility to work varied schedules based on business needs, including weekends, evenings, and peak event periods.
Proficiency with basic administrative tasks, event management tools, scheduling systems, and operational reporting.
Associate's Degree or equivalent experience.
2 years minimum management experience.
1 year minimum functional experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

Responsibilities

Oversee and support all aspects of campus catering operations, including planning, event execution, service logistics, staffing coordination, and quality control.
Lead service delivery for a wide range of campus events: meetings, conferences, athletic events, admissions functions, alumni gatherings, and special campus activities.
Serve as a visible, hands-on leader to ensure excellent guest experience, timely service, and smooth event flow.
Assist with broader dining operations including retail support, residential dining coverage, staffing oversight, training, and daily operational execution.
Ensure compliance with Sodexo policies, safety standards, food quality expectations, and financial targets.
Build strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and consistent service excellence.
Support hiring, scheduling, coaching, and performance management for front-of-house and catering staff.
Participate in menu planning, production meetings, and coordination with culinary and management teams.
Lead operational problem solving, troubleshoot service challenges, and ensure seamless daily execution.
Provide flexible coverage during evenings, weekends, holidays, orientation periods, and large campus events.