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Culinary Operations Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Food Operations Manager 1

Mclean, VA · On-site

$67K - $72K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for our dining operations at Vinson Hall located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Food Operations Manager 3

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Manage high-volume dining operations with ownership of financial and performance outcomes ... Champion sustainability initiatives and culinary standards that elevate the dining experience.

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for our dining operations at Vinson Hall located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Food Operations Manager 1

Mclean, VA · On-site

$67K - $72K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for our dining operations at Vinson Hall located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for our dining operations at Vinson Hall located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

We are seeking an experienced Food Operations Manager 1 for The Music Center at Strathmore to ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

We are seeking an experienced Food Operations Manager 1 for The Music Center at Strathmore to ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Food & Beverage Operations Manager Experience a new level of luxury at JW Marriott Reston Station ... Work closely with the culinary team to ensure food quality, presentation, availability, and proper ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

What You'll Do * Assist in managing all culinary operations, including Banquet Events, Club Grill, Trophy Room, Pub, Cafe, and Cabana. * Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of cooks, dishwashers ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

What You'll Do * Assist in managing all culinary operations, including Banquet Events, Club Grill, Trophy Room, Pub, Café, and Cabana. * Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of cooks, dishwashers ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

What You'll Do * Assist in managing all culinary operations, including Banquet Events, Club Grill, Trophy Room, Pub, Café, and Cabana. * Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of cooks, dishwashers ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

What You'll DoAssist in managing all culinary operations, including Banquet Events, Club Grill, Trophy Room, Pub, Café, and Cabana.Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of cooks, dishwashers, and ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $111K/yr

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our chef-driven, high ... Financial & Operational Management: Drive kitchen profitability by managing inventory, vendor ...

Executive Chef

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Partnering with the General Manager, this role will drive menu execution, develop and mentor the culinary team, optimize kitchen operations, and deliver an outstanding dining experience through ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Operations Manager information

See Washington salary details

$35.1K

$71.9K

$134.2K

How much do culinary operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary operations manager in Washington is $71,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary operations manager?

Culinary Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of kitchens or food service establishments, ensuring quality, efficiency, and safety standards are met. They manage kitchen staff, coordinate food preparation and presentation, and handle inventory and budgeting. Additionally, they develop menus, enforce health regulations, and implement training programs for the culinary team. Their role is crucial in maintaining smooth kitchen operations and delivering excellent dining experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary operations manager?

To excel as a Culinary Operations Manager, you need strong expertise in culinary arts, food safety standards, and business management, often supported by a degree in hospitality or culinary management. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical soft skills for managing teams and ensuring smooth operations. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient workflows, and high levels of customer satisfaction in a competitive hospitality environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a culinary operations manager and how are they typically addressed?

Culinary Operations Managers often face challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality across multiple outlets, managing inventory costs, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. These challenges are typically addressed by implementing standardized operating procedures, conducting regular staff training, and utilizing technology for inventory and scheduling. Strong communication and collaboration with both kitchen staff and front-of-house teams are crucial to promptly resolve issues and maintain smooth operations. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing feedback also helps ensure ongoing improvements.

What is the difference between Culinary Operations Manager vs Kitchen Supervisor?

AspectCulinary Operations ManagerKitchen Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, management experienceFood safety certifications, culinary experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple kitchens or departments, strategic planningManages daily kitchen activities, supervises staff
Employer & IndustryHotels, restaurants, catering companiesRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Search & ComparisonOften compared for managerial roles in culinary settingsCommonly searched for operational oversight roles

The Culinary Operations Manager focuses on strategic management, overseeing multiple kitchens or departments, and ensuring overall operational success. In contrast, the Kitchen Supervisor handles daily kitchen activities and staff supervision. Both roles require culinary experience and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a culinary operations manager do?

A culinary operations manager oversees the daily functions of a food service operation, including managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, controlling costs, and maintaining operational efficiency. They often coordinate with kitchen staff, implement policies, and may use management tools like inventory systems to ensure smooth restaurant or food service operations.

What is the role of a culinary operations manager in a food operation?

A culinary operations manager oversees the daily food service activities, including menu planning, staff management, quality control, and ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards. They coordinate kitchen operations, optimize efficiency, and may be involved in budgeting and training to maintain high culinary standards.

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Operations Manager jobs in Washington?

For Culinary Operations Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Operations Manager jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Operations Manager jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Culinary Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Culinary Operations Manager job openings:

Food Operations Manager 1

Mclean, VA • On-site

Sodexo
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

$67K - $72K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for our dining operations at Vinson Hall located in McLean, VA. Will oversee FOH and BOH and manage a staff of 25 hourly employees. Typical shift will be 10:30am-7:30pm, may vary with every other weekend.

This position will oversee dining room operations for the assisted living and healthcare residents as well as assisting with the independent living dining rooms as needed and special catering events. Strong hospitality skills & knowledge of special diets

About the job

Join a leadership role responsible for overseeing on-site food service operations and delivering exceptional service outcomes. This position drives operational performance, financial results, and client satisfaction through effective team leadership, safety oversight, and strategic execution.


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: $67405 per year - $72000 per year

What’s in it for you

  • Lead a high-performing team that directly impacts client satisfaction and daily experiences.
  • Influence operational excellence through hands-on leadership and strategic planning.
  • Manage high-volume dining operations with visibility across service, safety, and financial outcomes.
  • Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Partner closely with clients to strengthen relationships and deliver on contractual commitments.
  • Gain professional growth through ownership of operations, people development, and long-term planning.


What you’ll bring 

  • Experience leading, training, and developing on-site food service teams.
  • Knowledge of HACCP standards, regulatory compliance, and high-volume dining environments.
  • Hospitality-focused approach centered on service quality and customer experience.
  • Experience planning and executing operational and strategic initiatives aligned with client goals.
  • Creative mindset supporting culinary innovation, sustainability, and team engagement.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Associate degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 2 - 3 years
  • Related Experience: 2 - 3 years


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.

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 you’re 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. 


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