Senior Culinary Development Manager

Partner with operations, clients, and culinary teams to drive menu innovation, enhance dining experiences, improve performance, and deliver culinary excellence. Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a passion for hospitality.

About the job

Step into a role where you’ll help shape daily food service operations while ensuring quality, efficiency, and consistency. You’ll support production planning, inventory oversight, and cost control, contributing to a seamless experience for clients, customers, and team members alike.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager’s ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $120190 per year - $155540 per year

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo’s incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What’s in it for you

• A hands-on role with visibility into daily operations while coordinating high-quality food production and service.
• Ownership of purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and cost tracking to support operational and financial goals.
• Opportunities to influence menu planning, costing, and food quality outcomes that align with client expectations.
• Meaningful collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and internal partners to enhance service delivery.
• The chance to guide and oversee team members, building leadership experience while ensuring consistency and compliance.
• A supportive, team-focused environment that prioritizes safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards.
• Ongoing opportunities to improve processes and contribute to continuous operational excellence.

• Experience guiding and engaging team members in a food service environment.
• Hands-on background in culinary production, safety, and sanitation practices.
• Skill in organizing priorities, managing competing demands, and adapting to changing needs.
• Clear communication style paired with a customer-focused mindset.
• Familiarity with food management systems, reporting tools, and basic computer applications., * Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 5 years
• Related Experience: 3 years

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

Bring your culinary creativity and business expertise to a premier corporate dining environment. We’re seeking a strategic culinary leader to drive menu innovation, elevate food quality, and develop best-in-class dining experiences, 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.