Culinary Project Manager Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Portfolio Project Manager of Operations & Strategic Initiatives is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of complex projects and strategic initiatives across a multi-site client portfolio.

This role serves as the critical link between project management and operational execution, combining strong project management discipline with deep hospitality and operational expertise. The Portfolio Project Manager will partner closely with clients, LifeWorks operational leadership, and cross-functional partners to ensure projects are effectively planned, operationally sound, and successfully implemented.

This individual will provide dedicated project leadership across the portfolio, including new openings, renovations, operational transitions, technology deployments, program launches, and other portfolio-wide initiatives. The role will establish clear accountability, timelines, milestones, communication, and risk management while ensuring operational leaders can maintain their focus on day-to-day business performance, hospitality, and the associate experience. This directly reflects the business need outlined in the approved proposal.

The successful candidate must be viewed as an operational expert, project leader, and trusted thought partner to senior leadership, field operators, functional partners, and the client. The position requires strong business acumen, executive presence, project management discipline, operational judgment, communication skills, and the ability to influence and drive results across teams without direct authority.

LifeWorks Restaurant Group crafts thoughtful, chef-led dining and hospitality experiences designed around the people and places we serve. From the first conversation, our teams work as true partners with our clients, shaping everything from the design of a space to the way the experience comes to life. We craft thoughtful, elevated experiences that leave people more inspired, more connected, and genuinely cared for. LifeWorks Restaurant Group is part of Aramark's Workplace Experience Group. Learn more at lifeworksrestaurantgroup.com. Imagination Well Served. #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup Home - LifeWorks Restaurant Group

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COMPENSATION: The Salaried rate for this position is $120,000.00 to $128,000.00. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

• Lead complex projects and portfolio-wide initiatives from initial planning through implementation, stabilization, and closeout.
• Serve as a primary operational partner to the team, ensuring strong alignment between project planning, client expectations, and operational execution.
• Lead operational planning and readiness for new openings, renovations, relocations, expansions, service changes, and major transitions across the portfolio.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, milestones, responsibilities, dependencies, risks, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Proactively identify operational and project risks, escalate barriers when appropriate, and develop solutions to maintain project timelines and business continuity.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Culinary, Marketing, Technology, Facilities, Procurement, Finance, Human Resources, Sustainability, and other internal and external partners as needed.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, decision points, and accountability across project teams.
• Facilitate project meetings and provide clear reporting on project status, milestones, risks, decisions, and next steps to operational and senior leadership.
• Translate strategic initiatives into executable operational plans that can be consistently implemented across multiple locations.
• Develop and standardize project management tools, processes, documentation, playbooks, and operating procedures to create repeatable approaches across the portfolio.
• Monitor operational readiness leading up to project launches, including staffing, training, equipment, technology, procurement, communications, menus/programming, and other operational requirements.
• Provide onsite operational support during critical project phases, openings, launches, and transitions as needed.
• Lead post-launch stabilization, identify gaps, track corrective actions, and ensure successful transition of projects to ongoing operations.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify opportunities for process improvement, standardization, productivity, and operational excellence.
• Support change management by developing implementation strategies, stakeholder communications, training plans, and adoption measures for portfolio-wide initiatives.
• Build strong relationships and credibility with client stakeholders, operators, and functional partners, serving as a trusted resource for both project management and operational execution.
• Research, analyze, and present project results, operational data, recommendations, and lessons learned to leadership.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Project Management, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations, project management, hospitality, food service, workplace experience, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-functional projects from planning through implementation.
• Previous large-volume, multi-site operational experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new openings, renovations, mobilizations, operational transitions, or large-scale program implementations preferred.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects of varying size and complexity.
• PMP or other recognized project management certification preferred, but not required.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to understand project budgets, business impacts, operational performance, and ROI.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build credibility and effectively partner with senior leaders, clients, operators, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate issues and develop solutions with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to lead and influence teams without direct reporting authority.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the client portfolio based on project needs.

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.