Airline Lounges Director of Culinary Services

Sodexo Live! Airport Lounges, North America, is a leading provider of premium hospitality services, specializing in delivering exceptional airport lounge experiences across major airports in the United States. Sodexo Live! is part of Sodexo, a global leader in food services and facilities management, recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life for people and offering tailored solutions that enhance customer experiences. Known for its dedication to innovation and excellence, Sodexo Live! partners with high-profile clients like United Airlines to elevate the in-lounge dining and hospitality experience for travelers. The company's approach blends culinary creativity with flawless execution, ensuring guests enjoy a memorable and refined environment while waiting for their flights.

The role of Director of Culinary Services is a high-impact leadership position within Sodexo Live!, tasked with guiding the strategic development and execution of innovative culinary concepts for the United Airlines portfolio. This remote position, with a preferred base in Chicago, Detroit, Washington DC, or Dallas, requires up to 70% national travel to oversee culinary initiatives and maintain close collaboration with client teams, partners, and internal stakeholders. The Director champions premium dining by pioneering new menu ideas, launching innovative food and beverage concepts, and acting as a key brand ambassador at industry events and client presentations. This role demands a visionary culinary expert with over a decade of experience in premium hospitality, exceptional client-facing skills, and a passion for creating elevated guest experiences through cutting-edge culinary innovation.

The Director of Culinary Services collaborates intensively with Executive Chefs across airline lounges to ensure menu offerings align with brand standards and client expectations. This includes leading Global Chef partnerships, curating exclusive off-site events, and hosting tastings to refine and roll out new menu items. The successful candidate will guide culinary engagement strategies from the initial Request for Proposal (RFP) phase through to concept launch and execution, ensuring seamless integration of new initiatives that captivate and satisfy discerning customers. Representing Sodexo Live! at conferences, panels, and media engagements, the Director helps cement the company's standing as a leader in premium hospitality innovation.

Compensation for this role is competitive and tailored to the candidate's specific qualifications and experience. Sodexo emphasizes fairness and equity in salary offers, factoring in education, skills, and industry expertise. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision care, wellness programs, matching 401(k) contributions, paid time off, and career development opportunities like tuition reimbursement. Sodexo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures a respectful, supportive workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute to shaping memorable culinary experiences in a dynamic, global environment.

In summary, Sodexo Live! Airport Lounges offers an extraordinary career opportunity for a visionary Director of Culinary Services passionate about driving culinary innovation and premium guest experiences within the airline lounge industry. This role combines strategic leadership, creative culinary development, and extensive client interaction to shape the future of lounge dining for one of the world’s foremost airline portfolios.