Director Culinary Innovation Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

As Director of Culinary, Offer Implementation with Sodexo Live!, your passion for culinary innovation and technical skill sets position you to implement and oversee culinary programs and operations for a premier airport lounge portfolio.

The preferred candidate will reside on the East Coast and must be flexible to travel up to 50%. The incumbent should reside local to a major travel hub/airport.

About the job

Bring your creativity, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to a role focused on designing and delivering innovative food, product, and service experiences. You'll lead cross-functional initiatives that blend culinary excellence, market insight, and business strategy to develop compelling offers that delight customers and drive results.

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: $115940 - $180070

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

• Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of culinary offerings and innovations to drive quality, sales, and profitability.
• Engage with vendors, clients, and internal teams to support successful product and service deployment with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Develop training programs, ensure compliance with industry standards, and promote operational excellence through hands-on support.
• Contribute to marketing strategies and business development initiatives aimed at boosting sales and profitability.
• Translate culinary trends into innovative menus and recipes that elevate the customer dining experience.
• Manage food costs, labor, and other expenses to maintain cost-effective operations and meet budget targets.

What you'll bring 

• Skilled in translating insights and trends into innovative, customer-focused offerings that enhance brand value and drive business results.
• Collaboration and communication skills to influence stakeholders, build strategic partnerships, and align cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record in managing complex initiatives, from ideation to execution, within time and budget constraints.
• Expertise in analyzing market data and consumer behavior to shape compelling, differentiated solutions.
• A strategic mindset with a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 0-5 years
• Related Experience: 3-5 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 completethis form.