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Food Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

General Manager 3 - Food

San Jose, CA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

This role oversees café and catering services while cultivating strong client partnerships and shaping a dynamic, modern food program. The GM plays a critical role in upholding elevated standards ...

Sodexo

General Manager 3 - Food

San Jose, CA

This role oversees cafe and catering services while cultivating strong client partnerships and shaping a dynamic, modern food program. The GM plays a critical role in upholding elevated standards ...

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All JobsFood Program JobsFood Program Jobs in California

Food Program information

See California salary details

$21.2K

$45.1K

$62.2K

How much do food program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for food program in California is $45,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $46,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Food Program Manager, you need expertise in nutrition, food safety regulations, program management, and typically a degree in nutrition, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with meal planning software, inventory management systems, and compliance certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help in coordinating teams, interacting with stakeholders, and addressing community needs. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and impactful food service operations that meet both regulatory standards and the nutritional needs of participants.

What is the difference between Food Program vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood ProgramFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require certifications in nutrition, food safety, or program managementTypically requires food safety training or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, government agencies, non-profitsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services, institutional kitchens
Employer & IndustryNon-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutionsPrivate restaurants, cafeterias, hospitality industry
Job FocusProgram planning, community outreach, nutrition educationFood preparation, serving, customer service

While both roles involve food handling, Food Program positions focus on managing and implementing food-related initiatives within communities or organizations, often requiring specialized certifications. Food Service Workers primarily handle food preparation and service in commercial or institutional settings. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a Food Program, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Food Programs often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple suppliers, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and managing tight budgets while meeting nutritional standards. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and staying up-to-date with food safety guidelines are essential to overcoming these obstacles. Collaborating closely with team members and stakeholders can also help streamline operations and ensure the program runs smoothly.

What is a Food Program?

A Food Program refers to a structured initiative, often run by governments, schools, or non-profit organizations, designed to provide meals or nutritional assistance to specific populations. These programs aim to address food insecurity, ensure access to healthy food, and promote overall well-being. Common examples include school lunch programs, food banks, and supplemental nutrition assistance programs. Food Programs may target children, low-income families, seniors, or communities affected by emergencies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Food Program jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Program jobs in California? For Food Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Program jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Program jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Program job openings:
Food Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Program job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,123 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
General Manager 3 - Food

General Manager 3 - Food

Sodexo

San Jose, CA • On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

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

316th of 454 rated business services

Job description

Role Overview
General Manager 3 - Food | San Jose, CA
The General Manager 3 - Food leads a vibrant corporate dining operation in San Jose, CA delivering an exceptional guest experience built on culinary excellence, hospitality, and innovation. This role oversees café and catering services while cultivating strong client partnerships and shaping a dynamic, modern food program. The GM plays a critical role in upholding elevated standards, aligning with global expectations, and ensuring a seamless, world-class service experience.
The General Manager drives financial performance, inspires and develops diverse teams, and ensures flawless execution across all service areas. This position calls for a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment and is passionate about elevating workplace dining through creativity, operational excellence, and a commitment to outstanding service.
What You'll Do
  • Lead & Develop Your Team: Coach, train, and empower your managers and staff to prioritize tasks, make decisions, and reach their full potential.
  • Manage Unit Financials: Take full ownership of the business budget, from tracking payroll to managing daily cash control and profitability.
  • Deliver Exceptional Food & Service: Oversee daily culinary operations to ensure every meal is delicious, high-quality, and consistently exceeds client expectations.
  • Keep Operations Running Smoothly: Direct day-to-day activities with organization and efficiency, keeping the entire account running like clockwork.
  • Prioritize Safety First: Establish and maintain a clean, secure, and worry-free work environment that meets strict health and safety standards.
  • Build an Inclusive Culture: Actively champion a welcoming workplace where diverse backgrounds, unique ideas, and everyone's perspectives are celebrated.

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
  • Proven leadership experience in corporate dining or hospitality operations, with a passion for delivering exceptional service and culinary excellence.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, with the ability to drive efficient, profitable operations.
  • A people-first leadership style that inspires teams, builds culture, and supports accountability, growth, and high performance.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, with confidence in partnering directly with clients and key stakeholders.
  • A deep commitment to food safety, operational standards, and consistent execution across all service areas.
  • A creative, forward-thinking mindset with the ability to elevate workplace dining through innovation, quality, and a guest-centered approach.

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

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