Manager Culinary Research Development Jobs in California

Sodexo Live! has an opportunity for a Senior Mgr., Culinary Developmentto support a portfolio of premium airport lounges. This Culinary Manager will travel 75-100% to oversee our culinary operations across multiple locations throughout the country.

Our airport lounges are dedicated spaces for passengers to relax and rejuvenate while awaiting their next adventure. Join our team of experience makers and food fanatics and be part of creating memorable experiences!

About the job

Bring your culinary expertise to a role where innovation, training, and operational excellence all go together. You'll shape the future of culinary programs by ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance while driving continuous improvement through hands-on support and strategic insight.

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: $100130 - $155540

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

• Champion culinary excellence by leading program development, innovation, and execution.
• Make a direct impact through coaching, mentoring, and training culinary teams to elevate performance.
• Use your expertise to shape and refine culinary standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all touchpoints.
• Collaborate across departments to bring fresh ideas and practical solutions to life.
• Keep teams aligned and kitchens safe by upholding critical food safety and HACCP standards.
• Contribute to an environment where creativity is encouraged and operational discipline is celebrated.
• Stay at the forefront of culinary trends and techniques, helping the organization evolve and excel.

What you'll bring 

• Experience managing culinary operations with a focus on consistency, efficiency, and excellence.
• A passion for developing others, with a strong background in coaching, training, and mentoring culinary teams.
• Deep knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and HACCP compliance, ensuring operational integrity.
• Technical culinary expertise paired with the ability to drive innovation and implement best practices.
• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills to effectively partner across departments and lead change.

Requirements

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