Role Overview:
Fast-Paced. Never Boring. You thrive on variety, love problem-solving on the fly, and enjoy creating memorable dining experiences each day.
Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking an experienced and energetic Food Operations Manager 2 to support Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. This is a dynamic, high-volume environment perfect for a food service leader who excels in operational excellence.
This role oversees the second-largest dining operation on campus — Russell Sage Dining Hall — which is currently undergoing an exciting expansion to increase seating and offer a more interactive, customizable, food-forward experience. You will also oversee a smaller board operation that operates a Food-On-Demand program, as well as a meal plan take-out program within the dining hall.
In this role, you will lead daily operations for a major residential dining venue while supporting additional board operations on campus. You’ll ensure exceptional food quality, elevate the student dining experience, build strong client relationships, and guide your team toward operational excellence. This is a hands-on, people-focused leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
What You'll Do:
Oversee daily operations for Russell Sage Dining Hall and an additional board operation running a Food-On-Demand program.
Ensure high-quality food production, presentation, and service that aligns with Sodexo and client standards.
Drive financial performance by achieving revenue, budget, and operational targets.
Build and maintain strong client, student, and team relationships.
Lead, train, mentor, and support staff to create a positive, engaged work culture.
Ensure safety, sanitation, and compliance across all campus dining operations.
Manage meal plan take-out offerings and support upcoming expansion initiatives.
Develop and implement operational strategies and process improvements.
Utilize Sodexo Food Management Systems (FMS) and Market Connections (MSC) to support reporting, planning, and service standards.
Maintain excellent communication, prioritize workflow, and adapt to shifting business needs.
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:
Strong leadership experience with a proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop teams.
Solid background in culinary production, food quality standards, and safety/sanitation compliance.
Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
Excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
Ability to work collaboratively and create a positive, inclusive team culture.
Flexibility and readiness to take on additional responsibilities as needed.
Experience with Sodexo systems including FMS and MSC (preferred).
Proficiency in computer applications, reporting, and operational analysis.
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 - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
