Catering Operations Manager

Sodexo is a global leader in food services and facilities management, committed to improving quality of life and contributing to social and environmental progress in the communities it serves. As part of this mission, Sodexo partners with clients across various sectors to provide exceptional integrated service solutions, including food service, hospitality, catering, and facilities management. With a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, Sodexo values employees for who they are, fostering a respectful and supportive workplace where ideas are encouraged, and individual perspectives are respected. Sodexo's commitment to equal employment opportunities ensures a fair and equitable work environment for all individuals, regardless of background or personal characteristics.

The Catering Operations Manager role at Sodexo is a pivotal position responsible for leading and managing the catering services for a prestigious corporate client located in Rahway, NJ. This position falls under the SodexoMAGIC portfolio, a unique joint venture between NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Sodexo, designed to deliver creative and community-focused hospitality solutions. The Catering Operations Manager oversees a sophisticated and fast-paced catering program that supports a wide array of corporate events, executive meetings, large-scale functions, and elevated hospitality experiences across the client’s campus.

This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in premium corporate catering, who can blend strategic leadership with hands-on operational management. The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring every event is flawlessly planned and executed, delivering a seamless, world-class service that aligns with the client’s brand and expectations. This includes overseeing all event logistics such as staffing, production timelines, and quality control measures, while maintaining strict compliance with safety and company policies.

In addition to operational excellence, financial stewardship is a critical component of the role. The manager will be involved in financial forecasting, cost control, and developing revenue-enhancing strategies to promote sustainable growth. Cultivating strong relationships with clients and internal teams is essential for crafting innovative, customized event experiences that consistently exceed expectations.

The role also emphasizes team leadership; the Catering Operations Manager will coach, mentor, and inspire catering supervisors and frontline staff to elevate service culture, increase engagement, and build a high-performing team. This leadership position demands a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex environments with confidence and creativity.

The compensation for this position is competitive and fair, tailored to the candidate's education, experience, and proven skills. Sodexo offers an attractive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision care, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, and opportunities for career growth and tuition reimbursement. These benefits support employees' holistic well-being and professional development.

The Catering Operations Manager role at Sodexo is ideal for a hospitality professional passionate about elevating guest experiences through innovation, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional service delivery. This is a unique opportunity to shape a modern catering program within a globally respected company, contributing to community-focused hospitality initiatives while advancing personal career goals.