General Manager / Chef Manager

Sodexo•South Bristol, ME

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking a General Manager / Chef Manager at the Darling Marine Center, a unique coastal campus located on the ocean in beautiful Walpole, Maine. This is an exceptional opportunity for a hands-on leader who wants to own their business and make a meaningful impact in a close-knit academic community. The Darling Marine Center, operated by the University of Maine, is a world-renowned coastal research facility hosting year-round researchers, faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and seasonal academic programs. Dining services play a central role in the guest experience, offering high-quality, scratch-made meals in a warm, community-focused environment. This is a boutique, hospitality-driven operation emphasizing culinary excellence and client engagement over high-volume production. As the General Manager / Chef Manager, you will oversee the full dining program—including culinary execution, daily operations, catering, client relations, and financial performance—all while leading from the front as a working manager.

Requirements

Strong culinary background with hands-on production and scratch cooking experience
Proven leadership and supervisory experience in a food service or hospitality setting
Self-driven, dependable, and comfortable operating independently in a small-team environment
Strong hospitality mindset with excellent client and guest interaction skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to seasonal business fluctuations
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and operational best practices
Strong communication, organization, and financial acumen
Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
2 years minimum management experience
2 years minimum functional experience

Nice To Haves

Experience with Sodexo systems (FMS, Market Connections) and reporting tools is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day dining operations with a hands-on, working manager approach
Prepare and execute high-quality, scratch-made meals for residential dining and catered events
Develop seasonal and customized menus featuring local Maine products and ingredients
Build strong relationships with university leadership, researchers, and program coordinators
Deliver elevated hospitality in a close-knit, community-focused environment
Manage financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, and cost controls
Lead, train, and support a small, cross-functional team
Ensure compliance with Sodexo standards, food safety, and sanitation protocols
Plan and execute off-season initiatives to prepare for peak operations