Remote Director Culinary Innovation Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL

Sodexo Live! Airport Lounges is seeking a Vice President of Culinary to lead and elevate how we design, deliver, and continuously improve the culinary experience across our airport lounges portfolio in North America.

Vice President of Culinary: Lead culinary strategy, menu innovation, sourcing, quality, and financial performance across multi-unit operations. Drive excellence, talent development, guest satisfaction, and growth. Remote position with 50-75% travel.

About the job

In this senior leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction and execution of elevated hospitality experiences across premium environments. You'll guide culinary innovation, manage high-performing teams, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver consistent excellence and brand distinction.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Provides strategic vision and direction, leading organization or its business function. Oversees area of responsibility, directing the responsibilities of employees. Holds management accountability for a business, division, major geography, corporate function or major corporate sub-function. Develops, establishes and approves long-term vision and strategy for the area managed. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and / or indirect reports. The scope of responsibility includes the entire organization and / or selected line of business / business entity.

Pay Range: $156230 - $242550

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 high-visibility initiatives that shape the future of guest experience and hospitality innovation.
• Drive culinary development from concept to execution, influencing everything from menu design to production standards.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Innovation teams to create compelling and competitive offerings.
• Play a key role in strategic partnerships, including participation in RFP processes and business development efforts.
• Mentor and develop top culinary talent to ensure consistent quality and operational excellence.
• Gain ownership of end-to-end processes, from recipe testing to supply coordination, with measurable impact on client satisfaction.
• Be part of a fast-paced, premium environment where creativity, leadership, and strategy intersect.

What you'll bring 

• Proven success leading multi-unit food service or hospitality operations at a senior or director level.
• Deep experience in menu development, culinary innovation, and end-to-end food program execution.
• Background in contract negotiation, business development, and partnership cultivation.
• A track record of building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing management and culinary teams.
• Strategic mindset with the skillset to align guest experience, brand standards, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 10 years
• Related Experience: 7 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.