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Food Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager for a University located in the Richmond, VA area. This role will direct and lead a team of managers and union frontline staff in a retail ...

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager for a University located in the Richmond, VA area. This role will direct and lead a team of managers and union frontline staff in a retail ...

Food Operations Manager 3

Richmond, VA · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager for a University located in the Richmond, VA area. This role will direct and lead a team of managers and union frontline staff in a retail ...

Massanutten Resort | Great Eastern Purveyors (GEP) Food and Beverage Operations Manager We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Food & Beverage Operations Manager to lead and elevate our restaurant ...

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Food Operations Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$59.2K

$111.5K

How much do food operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for food operations manager in Virginia is $59,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Food Operations Managers face when overseeing multiple locations?

Food Operations Managers who oversee multiple locations often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality standards, ensuring effective communication across teams, and adapting to the unique needs of each site. Balancing inventory, staffing, and compliance with health and safety regulations can also be demanding. Successful managers develop strong organizational systems and foster a culture of accountability to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth operations.

What does a Food Operations Manager do?

A Food Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of food service establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering companies. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring food safety and quality, handling budgets, and optimizing operational efficiency. They also coordinate with suppliers, monitor inventory, and ensure compliance with health regulations. Ultimately, they work to deliver excellent customer service while maintaining profitability.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food Service Directors, Corporate Chefs, and Food Operations Managers with extensive experience and advanced certifications tend to be among the highest paid positions. Top executives like Food Industry CEOs also earn significant salaries, often exceeding other roles in the sector. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and level of responsibility.

How much should an operations manager get paid?

The salary for a Food Operations Manager typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation. In larger organizations or high-cost areas, salaries can exceed $90,000, and additional benefits or bonuses may be included.

What is a food operations manager?

A food operations manager oversees the daily activities of food service establishments, such as restaurants or cafeterias. They manage staff, ensure quality standards, control costs, and maintain health and safety regulations, often using management tools and requiring relevant certifications. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of food safety are essential for this role.

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

A Food Operations Manager oversees daily restaurant or food service activities, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency. They manage staff, control inventory, maintain compliance with health regulations, and implement operational procedures to meet business goals.

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

AspectFood Operations ManagerFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, food safety management)Food safety certifications often required, but less comprehensive
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple locations or departments, strategic planningManages daily operations at a specific location or shift
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, catering, hospitality, institutional food servicesCommon in restaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on managerial responsibilities, strategic oversightFocuses on operational, staff supervision

The Food Operations Manager typically handles broader strategic planning and oversees multiple units, requiring relevant certifications and experience. The Food Service Supervisor focuses on daily operational management and staff supervision at a specific location. Both roles are essential in the food service industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

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, budgeting, and staff supervision, often supported by a degree in hospitality or business management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and scheduling software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you motivate teams and resolve operational challenges. These skills ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced food service environment.
What are popular job titles related to Food Operations Manager jobs in Virginia? For Food Operations Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Operations Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Operations Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Operations Manager job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,185 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Food Operations Manager 3

Food Operations Manager 3

Sodexo

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,114 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 429 rated business services


Job description

Role Overview

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Managerfor aUniversity located in the Richmond, VA area. This role will direct and lead a team of managers and union frontline staff in a retail setting with catering oversight and work with campus chefs to enhance and sustain a great food program!

What You'll Do
  • Establishes a safe work environment
  • Utilizes Sodexo tools and programs to develop client, customer, and staff relationships, to ensure account retention
  • Implements and fully utilizes all Sodexo tools and programs to ensure financial outcomes
  • Directs daily operations of food service to ensure employees have appropriate equipment, inventory, and resources, and ensures operating standards and regulatory requirements are met
  • Develops and implements plans and projects with defined objectives, methods, timetables, and budgets to support the client and Sodexo's strategic plan
  • Ensures adherence to all HR standards for Sodexo, clients, and regulatory agencies
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
  • have a work history demonstrating strong employee engagement leadership skills, as well as previous supervisory experience and the ability to work collaboratively;
  • have culinary production experience and a strong background in safety and sanitation compliance;
  • can manage multiple priorities, demonstrate professional communication skills, and a passion for a high level of customer service;
  • prioritize tasks and exhibit flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as needed;
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 - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.


    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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