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Food Operations Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Role Overview Food Operations Manager 1 | The Good Eating Company | Irvine, CA Do you believe food ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

Role Overview Food Operations Manager 1 | The Good Eating Company | Irvine, CA Do you believe food ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 1

Irvine, CA

Role Overview Food Operations Manager 1 | The Good Eating Company | Irvine, CA Do you believe food ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 1

Oceanside, CA

Have 3-5 years operational management experience in a high-volume food service dining environment. * Be a people person with a strong focus with maintaining positive client relations ; a solid ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 1

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

Have 3-5 years operational management experience in a high-volume food service dining environment. * Be a people person with a strong focus with maintaining positive client relations ; a solid ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 3

Mountain View, CA · On-site

Role Overview We're looking for a Cafe Operations Manager to support daily operations at a ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 1

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Have 3-5 years operational management experience in a high-volume food service dining environment. * Be a people person with a strong focus with maintaining positive client relations ; a solid ...

Sodexo

Food Operations Manager 3

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Role Overview We're looking for a Café Operations Manager to support daily operations at a high ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

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All JobsFood Operations Management JobsFood Operations Management Jobs in California

Food Operations Management information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$58.9K

$111K

How much do food operations management jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for food operations management in California is $58,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Food Operations Management?

Food Operations Management involves overseeing the daily operations of food service establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. Professionals in this field are responsible for managing staff, ensuring food safety, maintaining inventory, and providing excellent customer service. They also handle budgeting, compliance with health regulations, and often participate in menu planning. The goal is to ensure efficient, profitable, and high-quality food service operations. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

What jobs can I get with operations management?

With a background in operations management, you can pursue roles such as operations manager, supply chain manager, logistics coordinator, production supervisor, or quality assurance manager. These positions typically require strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, and may involve overseeing daily operations, managing teams, and optimizing processes within various industries including manufacturing, retail, and food services.

What are some common challenges faced in Food Operations Management, and how can they be addressed?

Food Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality, managing supply chain disruptions, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, the ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen issues, and effective communication with both staff and suppliers. Implementing standardized procedures, investing in ongoing staff training, and utilizing inventory management technologies can help streamline operations and minimize disruptions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Operations Manager, you need expertise in food safety, inventory management, and business operations, often supported by a degree in hospitality, business, or culinary management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory software, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you manage teams and maintain high service standards. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient operations, food safety compliance, and a positive customer experience.

What is a food operations manager?

A food operations manager oversees the daily activities of food service establishments, such as restaurants or cafeterias. They coordinate staff, manage inventory, ensure food safety standards, and optimize operational efficiency, often requiring leadership skills and knowledge of industry regulations.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In food operations management, executive roles such as Food Service Directors, Culinary Directors, or Food and Beverage Directors tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or degrees, overseeing large teams and budgets in institutional or corporate food service environments.

What is the difference between Food Operations Management vs Food Service Supervisor?

AspectFood Operations ManagementFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP), experience in food industryFood safety certifications, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, food production facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering venues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by food service companies, large restaurants, institutional food providersCommonly employed in restaurants, hotels, and catering services
Job FocusOverseeing overall food operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance, optimizing processesSupervising daily food service activities, managing staff, ensuring quality and safety

Food Operations Management involves overseeing entire food service operations, including strategic planning and process optimization, while Food Service Supervisors focus on daily supervision and ensuring quality in food service delivery. Both roles require food safety certifications and industry experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the minimum salary of an operations manager?

The minimum salary for a food operations management role varies by location and experience but typically starts around $45,000 to $60,000 annually. Entry-level positions may offer lower wages, while experienced managers with certifications and strong leadership skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.
What are popular job titles related to Food Operations Management jobs in California? For Food Operations Management jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Operations Management jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Operations Management jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Operations Management jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Operations Management job openings:
Food Operations Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Operations Management job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,915 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Food Operations Manager 1

Food Operations Manager 1

Sodexo

Irvine, CA • On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 487 rated business services

Job description

Role Overview
Food Operations Manager 1 | The Good Eating Company | Irvine, CA
Do you believe food should be more than just fuel-it should be an experience? At The Good Eating Company, we're on a mission to transform workplace dining into something extraordinary. We're looking for a Food Operations Manager 1 who shares our passion for hospitality, local ingredients, and unforgettable flavors.
In this role, you'll be the heartbeat of our front-of-house operations, leading a team that delivers warm, welcoming service and a top-tier dining experience every single day. You'll work closely with our culinary team to ensure every detail-from presentation to guest interaction-is executed with excellence.
Join us as we redefine workplace dining and build something truly special-one plate, one smile, one experience at a time.
What You'll Do
  • Lead and inspire a front-of-house team focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
  • Champion our commitment to quality, sustainability, and local sourcing.
  • Collaborate with culinary leaders to bring fresh ideas and innovation to our café operations.
  • Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of hospitality and continuous improvement.
  • Manage daily service operations across multiple touchpoints with precision and care.

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
  • A hospitality enthusiast who thrives in fast-paced, food-forward environments.
  • A natural leader with a knack for mentoring and motivating teams.
  • A creative thinker who's always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience.
  • A detail-oriented operator with strong communication skills.
  • A believer in great food, great service, and great people.

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.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

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