Food Operations Manager, Regional Operations Support

  • Sodexo
  • Des Moines, Iowa
  • Full Time
Role Overview:

Join Sodexos Campus & Government Operations Support Team

Shape the experience. Elevate the standard. Grow into what comes next.

The Campus & Government Operations Support Team is composed of versatile, high-performing managers who are deployed to support new account start-ups and client locations experiencing staffing or operational transitions. In this role, you will step into interim leadership assignments, provide hands-on operational guidance, and help stabilize teams and service delivery becoming a trusted resource and partner across multiple sites.

As part of this team, youll have the opportunity to accelerate your professional development by working in a variety of environments, service models, and client cultures. Youll build a strong internal network, gain broad operational experience, and develop the strategic leadership skills needed to thrive as you advance within Sodexo.

This is a unique role for those who are curious, adaptable, and ready to take the next step in their career while exploring the full range of growth paths Sodexo has to offer.

This position requires 100% travel, flexibility to work hours based on the needs of the business and a valid, clean driver's license.

What You'll Do:
  • Provide interim leadership for residential dining, retail, and catering operations, ensuring consistent service quality, food presentation, and guest experience during periods of transition
  • Manage, coach, and support dining managers and frontline teams to maintain a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven workplace culture (union environment experience beneficial)
  • Oversee purchasing, inventory, labor planning, and cost controls to maintain operational efficiency and achieve financial targets
  • Ensure compliance with Sodexo food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and regulatory standards across all dining areas
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners and clients through proactive communication and collaborative problem-solving
  • Promote service excellence and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction
  • Partner with campus and Sodexo leadership to support strategic priorities, talent development, and operational stabilization and growth
What We Offer:

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.

What You Bring:
  • 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, but not required
  • A passion for hospitality and commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience.
  • Valid Driver's License, ability to drive, and clear background required
  • The ability to travel 100% of the time to assignments throughout the U.S. with rotation schedules being 10 days on, 4 days off or 5 days on, 2 days off depending on the needs of the business
Who We Are:

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 youre 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 .

Qualifications & Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in facilities (e.g., maintenance, plant operations, engineering services, grounds, custodial/environmental, or transportation) or food (e.g., food services or operations, concessions, retail sales, store operations, or vending) or HTM

Job ID: 499830651
Originally Posted on: 11/10/2025

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